Shloka 50
Instruction to Śatrughna and the Mobilization for Rāma’s Aśvamedha
हस्त्यश्वरथपादात सेनासंघसमन्वितः । यस्य राज्ञ इति श्रेष्ठो मानः स्यात्स्वबलोन्मदात्
hastyaśvarathapādāta senāsaṃghasamanvitaḥ | yasya rājña iti śreṣṭho mānaḥ syātsvabalonmadāt
Ein König, gestützt von Heerscharen aus Elefanten, Pferden, Wagen und Fußsoldaten, kann, berauscht von der Macht der eigenen Truppen, einen „überlegenen“ Hochmut entwickeln und denken: „Ich bin der König.“
Unspecified (narrative/didactic voice within Padma Purāṇa, Pātāla-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Military might can intoxicate the ruler into pride; true kingship is restrained by dharma and humility.
Application: When authority increases, increase accountability: practice humility, consult wise counsel, and remember power is entrusted, not owned.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king stands atop a rampart surveying an immense fourfold army—elephants, horses, chariots, and infantry stretching to the horizon. His posture subtly shifts from confidence to arrogance, while in the background a faint, divine presence (unseen by him) suggests that power is transient and overseen by higher law.","primary_figures":["king (unnamed)","elephant corps","cavalry","charioteers","infantry"],"setting":"Vast military camp with standards, drums, dust clouds, and orderly formations; distant city walls and watchtowers.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["dusty ochre","iron black","banner crimson","sunlit gold","sage green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: proud king on a decorated platform, fourfold army arrayed in symmetrical tiers, elephants with gold caparisons, chariots with ornate wheels; gold leaf on crowns, weapons, and elephant ornaments, rich reds/greens, embossed detailing emphasizing opulence and the danger of pride.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: panoramic army scene with delicate figures and rhythmic lines, the king slightly elevated, subtle facial expression of hubris; soft earth tones, airy sky, refined detailing on banners and armor, narrative clarity with lyrical landscape.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized king with bold outlines, patterned elephants and chariots, dense composition like a temple frieze; strong reds/yellows/greens, black contours, iconic gestures conveying ‘mada’ (intoxicated pride).","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symbolic composition—central king with ornate border motifs, surrounding concentric rings of elephants, horses, chariots, footmen; deep blue and gold accents, floral borders, didactic allegory feel rather than strict realism."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["distant war drums","elephant trumpets","wind over banners","footsteps on gravel","brief silence after key line"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: हस्त्यश्वरथपादात = हस्ति+अश्व+रथ+पादात (dvandva, treated as a single instrumental unit). स्यात्स्वबलोन्मदात् = स्यात् + स्वबलोन्मदात्.
FAQs
It warns that military strength can intoxicate a ruler, causing egoistic pride—“I am the king”—which is portrayed as a moral danger rather than a virtue.
It is a compound listing the four classical divisions of an army: elephants, cavalry (horses), chariots, and infantry.
It implies that true kingship requires restraint and humility; power and armies should serve dharma, not inflate personal pride.