Shloka 94
Atithi-satkāra and the Consolation of Wise Counsel (अतिथिसत्कारः प्रज्ञानवचनस्य च पराश्वासनम्)
विरिज्च इति यत् प्रोक्ते कापिलज्ञानचिन्तकै: । स प्रजापतिरेवाहं चेतनात् सर्वलोककृत्
viriñca iti yat prokte kāpila-jñāna-cintakaiḥ | sa prajāpatiḥ evāhaṃ cetanāt sarva-loka-kṛt ||
கபிலரின் சாங்க்ய ஞானத்தை ஆராயும் அறிஞர்கள் ‘விரிஞ்ச’ என்று கூறுவது—அனைத்து உலகங்களையும் படைக்கும் பிரஜாபதி—நானே; ஏனெனில் உணர்வை (சேதனையை) அளிப்பவன் நானே.
तामिन्द्र उवाच गच्छ नहुषस्त्वया वाच्योथ<पूर्वेण मामृषियुक्तेन यानेन त्वमधिरूढ
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes that ultimate status is not merely a matter of labels used in philosophical discourse; it is grounded in the sustaining principle of consciousness. Indra asserts identity with the cosmic progenitor (Viriñca/Prajāpati) by claiming the role of conferring sentience, highlighting a link between metaphysical authority and the capacity to animate and uphold life.
In the Shānti Parva’s didactic setting, Indra speaks in a revelatory tone, identifying himself with the figure called “Viriñca” by Sāṅkhya-oriented thinkers associated with Kapila. The statement functions as a theological clarification within a broader instruction about cosmic order and the principles behind creation and life.