Shloka 50
Satyavrata, Vasiṣṭha, and the Crisis of Dharma: Protection, Anger, and Vow-Discipline
देवराजेन शक्रेण सोऽश्वो हि स्वार्थसाधिना । वेलासमीपेऽपहृतो भूमिं चैव प्रवेशितः
devarājena śakreṇa so'śvo hi svārthasādhinā | velāsamīpe'pahṛto bhūmiṃ caiva praveśitaḥ
Ang kabayong iyon ay tunay na inagaw ni Śakra, ang hari ng mga diyos, alang-alang sa sariling pakinabang; malapit sa dalampasigan ay ninakaw niya ito at ipinabaon sa lupa upang maitago.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
The verse highlights how even a deva can act from svārtha (self-interest), showing that worldly power without inner purification binds one to karma; Shaiva teaching points the seeker toward surrender to Pati (Shiva) rather than manipulation through pasha (bondage).
By exposing the limits of celestial authority, the narrative implicitly directs devotion toward Saguna Shiva as the true refuge and moral governor—Linga-worship centers the devotee in dharma and inner restraint rather than competitive acquisition.
A practical takeaway is japa of the Panchakshara ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") with an attitude of nishkāma-bhāva (desireless devotion), as an antidote to svārtha; optionally support it with Tripuṇḍra and Rudrāksha as reminders of detachment.