Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 58
Vānaprastha-dharma and Tapas: Śiva–Umā Saṃvāda
Forest-Stage Discipline and Austerity
मध्ये त्रिदशवर्गस्य देवराज: शतक्रतुः । उवाच मधुरं वाक्यं बृहस्पतिमनुत्तमम्
madhye tridaśa-vargasya devarājaḥ śatakratuḥ | uvāca madhuraṃ vākyaṃ bṛhaspatim anuttamam ||
Sa gitna ng kapulungan ng mga diyos, si Śakra—si Indra, hari ng mga deva na bantog sa sandaang paghahandog—ay nagsalita kay Bṛhaspati na walang kapantay sa malumanay at kaaya-ayang pananalita.
शक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical communication and humility: even Indra, the lord of the gods, approaches the highest teacher (Bṛhaspati) with sweet and respectful speech, implying that authority should be guided by reverence for wisdom and disciplined words.
Indra (Śakra), seated among the gathered gods, begins speaking to Bṛhaspati. The verse functions as a narrative transition into counsel or instruction delivered in a formal assembly setting.