Nāgendra–Brāhmaṇa Saṃvāda: Praśna-vidhi and Dharmic Approach on the Gomatī Riverbank
आदि-अन्तसे रहित भगवान् अच्युतने उन दोनों बूँदोंकी ओर देखा। उनमेंसे एक बूँद भगवानकी दृष्टि पड़ते ही उनकी प्रेरणासे तमोमय मधुनामक दैत्यके आकारमें परिणत हो गयी। उस दैत्यका रंग मधुके समान था और उसकी कान्ति बड़ी सुन्दर थी। जलकी दूसरी बूँद
vaiśaṃpāyana uvāca | tāv abhyadhāvatāṃ śreṣṭhī tamasā rajasānvitau | balavantau gadāhastau padmanālānusāriṇau ||
毗舍摩耶那说:具足昏暗之性(tamas)与激动之性(rajas)的那两位最强大的阿修罗——摩度(Madhu)与凯多婆(Kaiṭabha)——猛然冲向前方。他们力大无穷,手执巨槌,沿着莲茎疾进,正是那使其成形的幽暗与炽烈之力在驱使。此段昭示:当诸“德性”(guṇa)失于节制而被搅动时,便会化作阻碍宇宙秩序的暴烈障碍,必须由神圣之力加以制御,复归平衡。
वैशग्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights how tamas (dark inertia) and rajas (restless passion), when dominant and unchecked, can generate destructive momentum. Ethically, it implies the need for sattva—clarity and balance—so that power and action do not become mere aggression against order (dharma).
Madhu and Kaiṭabha, newly manifested and empowered by tamas and rajas, charge forward with clubs, moving along the lotus-stalk (padmanāla). This sets the stage for their confrontation with the divine principle that must re-establish equilibrium.