Shloka 3
नृशंस-लक्षणनिर्णयः | Determining the Marks of Cruel Conduct
Nṛśaṃsa
ततः क्रुद्ध: श्वसन वायु: पातयन् वै महाद्रुमान् । आजगामाथ तं॑ देशमास्ते यत्र स शाल्मलि:,तत्पश्चात् सबेरा होनेपर वायुदेव कुपित हो बड़े-बड़े वृक्षोंको धराशायी करते हुए उस स्थानपर आये, जहाँ वह सेमलका वृक्ष था
tataḥ kruddhaḥ śvasan vāyuḥ pātayan vai mahādrumān | ājagāmātha taṃ deśam āste yatra sa śālmalī ||
Pagkaraan, dumating sa lupain na iyon ang Diyos ng Hangin, si Vāyu, nagngangalit at umuugong, at habang siya’y sumusugod ay pinabubuwal ang malalaking punò, hanggang sa mismong pook na kinaroroonan ng śālmalī (punòng bulak-koton). Ipinakikita ng tagpong ito na ang galit na di napipigil—kahit sa isang makapangyarihang puwersa—ay nagiging walang-pinipiling pagwasak bago pa man marating ang tunay na pakay nito.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse illustrates the ethical danger of krodha (anger): when a powerful force becomes uncontrolled, it causes collateral harm. Implicitly it commends restraint and discernment, aligning with Śānti Parva’s broader emphasis on self-mastery as a foundation of dharma.
Bhīṣma describes Vāyu, furious and roaring, advancing toward the spot where a śālmalī tree stands, toppling large trees along the way—an image of irresistible momentum and destructive anger moving toward its target.