Shloka 27
Indra–Mataṅga Saṃvāda: On the rarity and responsibilities of Brāhmaṇya (इन्द्र-मतङ्ग संवादः)
भीष्म उवाच एतत् श्र॒ुत्वा तु वचनं तमुवाच पुरंदर: । मतड़ दुर्लभमिदं विप्रत्वं प्रार्थ्थते त्वया
bhīṣma uvāca | etat śrutvā tu vacanaṃ tam uvāca purandaraḥ | mataṅga durlabham idaṃ vipratvaṃ prārthayase tvayā ||
毗湿摩说道：听了这番话，普兰达罗（因陀罗）回答他：“噢，摩唐伽啊，你所祈求的婆罗门之位，对你而言实在难以获得。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that exalted social-spiritual status (here, vipratva—Brahminhood) is not merely a matter of desire or request; it is portrayed as rare and difficult to attain, implying the need for qualifying conduct, merit, and discipline aligned with dharma.
Bhishma narrates a dialogue: after hearing Mataṅga’s words, Indra (Purandara) responds directly, telling Mataṅga that the Brahmin status he seeks is difficult for him to obtain, setting up the ethical discussion about qualification and dharmic attainment.