Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 27
Sukalā’s Narrative (within the Vena Episode): Varāha, Ikṣvāku, and the Dharma of Battle
अद्यैवाहं हनिष्यामि सुबाणैर्निशितैः प्रिये । मामेव हि महाशूरो युद्धाय समुपाश्रयेत्
adyaivāhaṃ haniṣyāmi subāṇairniśitaiḥ priye | māmeva hi mahāśūro yuddhāya samupāśrayet
প্রিয়ে! আজই আমি তীক্ষ্ণ, উৎকৃষ্ট বাণে তাকে নিপাত করব। যুদ্ধের জন্য সেই মহাশূর যেন কেবল আমারই আশ্রয় গ্রহণ করে।
Unspecified (context-dependent; verse addresses a beloved 'priye')
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: forest
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अद्यैव = अद्य + एव; एवाऽहम् = एव + अहम्; सुबाणैर्निशितैः = सुबाणैः + निशितैः; मामेव = माम् + एव.
FAQs
The verse itself does not name the speaker; it is a line spoken to a beloved (“priye”). Identifying the speaker requires the surrounding narrative of Bhūmi-khaṇḍa, Adhyāya 43.
It expresses confidence and resolve in battle: the speaker vows to defeat the opponent with sharp arrows and declares that the great warrior should rely on the speaker alone as the support for fighting.
It reflects the ethos of kṣatriya-dharma—courage, protection, and decisive action in conflict—framed as steadfast leadership and being a reliable refuge in battle.