Shloka 36
त्रिवर्गमूलनिश्चयः — Determining the Roots of Dharma, Artha, and Kāma
Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 123
महादेवस्ततस्तस्मिन् वृत्ते यज्ञे यथाविधि । दण्डं धर्मस्य गोप्तारं विष्णवे सत्कृतं ददौ
mahādevastatastasmīn vṛtte yajñe yathāvidhi | daṇḍaṃ dharmasya goptāraṃ viṣṇave satkṛtaṃ dadau ||
婆苏诃罗摩说道：当那场祭祀依仪轨圆满完成之后，大自在天礼敬护持正法的毗湿奴，将“檀杖”（daṇḍa，惩戒之杖）——象征正当治理的权柄——郑重奉与他。此举昭示：约束罪恶之力当为正法而用，并应托付于堪当其任者。
वसुहरोम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Legitimate power to punish (daṇḍa) is not mere force; it is a sacred trust meant to protect Dharma. It should be exercised by a worthy guardian with reverence for moral order, not for personal gain.
After a sacrifice is properly completed, Mahādeva honors Viṣṇu and formally hands over the daṇḍa—the symbol of punitive authority and governance—affirming Viṣṇu’s role as protector of Dharma.