Shloka 3
नृशंस-लक्षणनिर्णयः | Determining the Marks of Cruel Conduct
Nṛśaṃsa
ततः क्रुद्ध: श्वसन वायु: पातयन् वै महाद्रुमान् । आजगामाथ तं॑ देशमास्ते यत्र स शाल्मलि:
tataḥ kruddhaḥ śvasan vāyuḥ pātayan vai mahādrumān | ājagāmātha taṃ deśam āste yatra sa śālmalī ||
随后，风神瓦由怒吼而来，挟着狂声一路倾倒巨木，直至那棵娑罗摩梨（śālmalī，木棉树）所在之处。此段昭示：失控的忿怒，即便出自强大神力，也会在抵达目标之前先化作不择对象的毁灭。
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.