Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 51
Pitṛ-śrāddha-haviḥ-phala-nirdeśa
Offerings for Ancestors and Their Stated Results
देवा ऊचु असुरस्तारको नाम ब्रह्मणो वरदर्पित: । अस्मान् प्रबाधते वीर्याद् वधस्तस्य विधीयताम्
bhīṣma uvāca | devā ūcuḥ: asuras tārako nāma brahmaṇo varadarpitaḥ | asmān prabādhate vīryād vadhastasya vidhīyatām ||
Sinabi ni Bhishma: Nagsalita ang mga diyos, “O Agni! May isang asura na ang pangalan ay Tāraka; nalalasing sa pagmamataas dahil sa biyaya ni Brahmā, at inaapi niya kaming lahat sa lakas ng kanyang kabayanihan. Kaya magbalangkas ng paraan upang siya’y mapuksa.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power secured through a boon can still become a cause of adharma when joined with arrogance (darpa). The verse highlights the ethical need to restrain oppressive force and to restore cosmic order through rightful means.
The devas report to Agni that the asura Tāraka, emboldened by Brahmā’s boon, is tormenting them. They request that a plan or method be arranged for his destruction.