Shloka 21

Sevaka-parīkṣā (Testing and Appointment of Servants) and Rājadharma Outcomes

Devanagari script

सुसन्धानानि चास्त्राणि शस्त्राणि विविधानि च / दुर्गे प्रवेशितव्यानि ततः शत्रुं निपातयेत्

Transliteration

susandhānāni cāstrāṇi śastrāṇi vividhāni ca / durge praveśitavyāni tataḥ śatruṃ nipātayet

Translation

Well-fitted missiles and various weapons should be brought into the fortress; then one should bring down the enemy.

Word by Word

• सु: well
• सु: Sambandha/Modifier (सम्बन्ध/विशेषण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: सु (अव्यय/उपसर्ग)
• Form: उपसर्ग/प्रत्ययार्थक-अव्ययम् (intensifier) — well

• सन्धानानि: fittings/assemblies/aimings
• सन्धानानि: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सन्धान (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, बहुवचन; 'सु' इत्यनेन विशेषितम् — Neuter, Nominative, Plural; qualified by 'su'

• च: and
• च: Sambandha/Modifier (सम्बन्ध/विशेषण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च (अव्यय)
• Form: समुच्चय-अव्ययम् — and

• अस्त्राणि: missile weapons
• अस्त्राणि: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अस्त्र (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, बहुवचन — Neuter, Nominative, Plural

• शस्त्राणि: hand weapons
• शस्त्राणि: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: शस्त्र (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, बहुवचन — Neuter, Nominative, Plural

• विविधानि: various
• विविधानि: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: विविध (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, बहुवचन; विशेषणम् (अस्त्राणि/शस्त्राणि इति) — Neuter, Nominative, Plural; adjective

• च: and
• च: Sambandha/Modifier (सम्बन्ध/विशेषण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च (अव्यय)
• Form: समुच्चय-अव्ययम् — and

• दुर्गे: in the fort
• दुर्गे: Adhikarana (Location/अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: दुर्ग (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, सप्तमी-विभक्ति (अधिकरण), एकवचन — Neuter, Locative, Singular

• प्रवेशितव्यानि: to be brought in/placed
• प्रवेशितव्यानि: Karya (Obligation/विधेय)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: प्रवेशितव्य (कृदन्त-प्रातिपदिक) < प्र + √विश् (धातु)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, बहुवचन; विधेयकृदन्त (तव्यत्), कर्मणि-भावः — Neuter, Nominative, Plural; gerundive 'to be brought/introduced'

• ततः: then/thereafter
• ततः: Sambandha/Modifier (सम्बन्ध/विशेषण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: ततः (अव्यय)
• Form: हेतु/क्रम-अव्ययम् (adverb) — then/thereafter

• शत्रुम्: enemy
• शत्रुम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: शत्रु (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया-विभक्ति (कर्म), एकवचन — Masculine, Accusative, Singular

• निपातयेत्: should bring down/defeat
• निपातयेत्: Kriya (Action/क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: नि + √पत् (धातु) (causative sense)
• Form: विधिलिङ् (Optative), परस्मैपदम्, प्रथमपुरुष, एकवचन; णिच्-प्रत्ययार्थः (causative: 'cause to fall') — Optative, Parasmaipada, 3rd person, Singular; causative meaning

Speaker

Lord Viṣṇu (in discourse to Garuḍa)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Rajadharma in warfare: secure well-fitted weapons within the fort, then neutralize the enemy—orderly preparation before action.

Vedantic Theme: Right action with forethought (buddhi-yukta karma); disciplined means aligned to protective duty rather than impulsive violence.

Application: Security planning: ensure resources are maintained, tested, and staged; then act decisively—logistics and readiness precede engagement.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: vira

Secondary Rasa: raudra

Geographic Context

Type: fortress/stronghold

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.112 (durganiti/weapon-readiness counsel)

FAQs

What is the importance of preparedness in this Garuda Purana verse?

The verse emphasizes disciplined readiness—properly prepared arms and resources—before engaging an adversary, presenting strategy as a facet of dharma when protection is required.

How does this verse relate to the Garuda Purana’s broader teachings?

In the Ācāra Kāṇḍa, guidance often includes practical dharmic conduct; here it frames defense and victory as outcomes of foresight and correct preparation rather than impulse.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Plan before acting: gather the right tools, verify readiness, and proceed methodically—especially in protective duties (security, governance, or personal boundaries).