Shloka 16
Kṣātra-Dharma, Daṇḍanīti, and Social Order
Indra–Māndhātṛ Dialogue
इन्द्र रवाच किमिष्यते धर्म भृतां वरिष्ठ यद् द्रष्टकामो5सि तमप्रमेयम् । अनन्तमायामितमन्त्रवीर्य नारायण हादिदेवं पुराणम्
indra uvāca kim iṣyate dharma-bhṛtāṁ variṣṭha yad draṣṭa-kāmo 'si tam aprameyam | ananta-māyāmita-mantra-vīrya nārāyaṇaṁ hy ādi-devaṁ purāṇam ||
因陀罗说道：“噢，诸持守达摩者之最上者！既然你渴望瞻见那不可度量的原初之主那罗延（Nārāyaṇa）——具无尽幻力（māyā）、无边神圣威能与英雄般的雄力——你所求为何？你为何要见祂，又希望从祂那里获得何等恩赐？”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the desire for divine vision is framed ethically: one should examine one’s intention (iṣyate) and the sought outcome (boon). The verse highlights Nārāyaṇa’s transcendence (aprameya) and supreme power, implying that approaching the divine should be purposeful, dharmic, and free from trivial motives.
Indra addresses a dharma-exemplifying figure and asks why he wishes to see the primeval Lord Nārāyaṇa. Indra underscores Nārāyaṇa’s immeasurable nature and powers, then inquires what request or benefit the seeker hopes to obtain through that audience.