Shloka 48
Śiva-stavarāja: Upamanyu’s Preface and Initiation of the Śarva-Nāma Enumeration
Anuśāsana-parva 17
गजहा दैत्यहा कालो लोकधाता गुणाकर: । सिंहशार्दूलरूपश्न आर्द्रचर्माम्बरावृत:
gajahā daityahā kālo lokadhātā guṇākaraḥ | siṁhaśārdūlarūpaś ca ārdracarmāmbarāvṛtaḥ ||
قال فايُو-ديفا: «إنه قاتل العدو ذي هيئة الفيل، ومُهلك الدايتيّات؛ وهو الزمن نفسه. يعضد العوالم ويكفل بقاءها، وهو كنز الصفات النبيلة. متخذًا صور الأسد والنمر، يكتسي ثوبًا من الجلد الذي لا يزال رطبًا (جلد شيطان الفيل).»
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises a divine figure as both protector and destroyer: he sustains the worlds (lokadhātā) yet is also Kāla (Time/Death). Ethically, it frames righteous power as multi-dimensional—fierce against adharma (daityahā) while fundamentally grounded in virtue (guṇākaraḥ) and cosmic maintenance.
Vāyu is describing and glorifying a formidable deity/hero through epithets: slayer of demon foes (including one associated with an elephant form), embodiment of Time, supporter of the worlds, and one who assumes lion/tiger forms. The striking image of being clothed in a fresh hide underscores the aftermath of a demon-slaying feat and the deity’s terrifying, protective aspect.