Shloka 9
Garuḍa’s Assault on the Devas and the Fire-Barrier (अमृत-रक्षा-युद्धम्)
किंस्विदग्निनिभो भाति किंस्वित् सौम्यप्रदर्शन: । यथाहमभिजानीयां ब्राह्मणं लक्षणै: शुभै:
kiṁ svid agninibho bhāti kiṁ svit saumyapradarśanaḥ | yathāham abhijānīyāṁ brāhmaṇaṁ lakṣaṇaiḥ śubhaiḥ ||
Sabi ni Garuḍa: “Ano ang kumikislap na tila apoy, at ano ang may maamo at mapalad na anyo? Ipaalam mo sa akin ang mararangal na palatandaan upang makilala ko nang wasto ang tunay na Brahmin.”
गरुड उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames an ethical inquiry: true brahminhood should be discerned through ‘śubha-lakṣaṇas’—noble, auspicious characteristics—rather than mere claim or appearance, emphasizing discernment of virtue and conduct.
Garuḍa asks for criteria to identify a genuine brāhmaṇa, contrasting fiery radiance and gentle demeanor, seeking reliable signs by which he can recognize brahminical character in the unfolding encounter.