Shloka 16
Kṣātra-Dharma, Daṇḍanīti, and Social Order
Indra–Māndhātṛ Dialogue
इन्द्र रवाच किमिष्यते धर्म भृतां वरिष्ठ यद् द्रष्टकामो5सि तमप्रमेयम् । अनन्तमायामितमन्त्रवीर्य नारायण हादिदेवं पुराणम्
indra uvāca kim iṣyate dharma-bhṛtāṁ variṣṭha yad draṣṭa-kāmo 'si tam aprameyam | ananta-māyāmita-mantra-vīrya nārāyaṇaṁ hy ādi-devaṁ purāṇam ||
Sinabi ni Indra: “O pinakamainam sa mga tagapangalaga ng dharma, yamang ninanais mong masilayan ang di-masusukat na sinaunang Panginoong Nārāyaṇa—na may walang-hanggang māyā, walang-kapantay na banal na kapangyarihan, at dakilang lakas ng kabayanihan—ano ang iyong hinahanap? Sa anong layunin mo Siya nais makita, at anong biyaya ang inaasahan mong matamo mula sa Kanya?”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the desire for divine vision is framed ethically: one should examine one’s intention (iṣyate) and the sought outcome (boon). The verse highlights Nārāyaṇa’s transcendence (aprameya) and supreme power, implying that approaching the divine should be purposeful, dharmic, and free from trivial motives.
Indra addresses a dharma-exemplifying figure and asks why he wishes to see the primeval Lord Nārāyaṇa. Indra underscores Nārāyaṇa’s immeasurable nature and powers, then inquires what request or benefit the seeker hopes to obtain through that audience.