Shloka 15
Daṇḍa as the Foundation of Social Order (दण्डप्रतिष्ठा)
नाघ्नतः कीर्तिरस्तीह न वित्त न पुनः प्रजा: । इन्द्रो वृत्रवधेनैव महेन्द्र: समपद्यत
nāghnataḥ kīrtir astīha na vittaṃ na punaḥ prajāḥ | indro vṛtravadhenaiva mahendraḥ samapadyata ||
எதிரியை வீழ்த்தாதவனுக்கு இவ்வுலகில் புகழும் இல்லை, செல்வமும் இல்லை, குடிகளும் நிலைபெறார். இந்திரனும் வ்ருத்ரவதத்தினாலேயே ‘மகேந்திரன்’ ஆனான்।
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse asserts a stern model of royal/warrior ethics: fame, wealth, and the holding of a realm’s people are linked to decisive force against adversaries; Indra’s rise to supreme status is cited as an example achieved through the slaying of Vṛtra.
Arjuna is speaking within the Shānti Parva’s discussions on governance and duty, arguing from precedent (Indra vs. Vṛtra) that a ruler/warrior who refrains from striking enemies will not obtain the practical fruits of kingship such as renown, resources, and secure subjects.