Shloka 19
भद्रवटगमनम् — स्कन्देन महिषदानवनिग्रहः
Bhadravaṭa Procession and Skanda’s Neutralization of Mahiṣa
रथन्तरश्न॒ तपस: पुत्रो$ग्नि: परिपठ्यते | मित्रविन्दाय वै तस्य हविरध्वर्यवों विदु:
Rathantaraś ca tapasaḥ putro 'gniḥ paripaṭhyate | Mitravindāya vai tasya havir adhvaryavo viduḥ ||
Mārkaṇḍeya said: “Among the sons of Tapas, the fire named Rathantara is recited in the ritual tradition. The Yajurvedic officiants (adhvaryus) know that the oblation offered into that fire is assigned as the share of the deity Mitravindā. Thus Tapas, illustrious and satisfied, abides in joy together with all these sons.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes ritual dharma: offerings are not random but follow an inherited Vedic allocation of shares (bhāga) to specific deities, preserved by trained officiants. Ethical order is shown as fidelity to tradition and correct intention in sacrifice.
Mārkaṇḍeya is listing/reciting a traditional account of Tapas and his progeny, identifying a particular sacred fire named Rathantara and stating that the oblation offered into it is regarded by Adhvaryu priests as belonging to Mitravindā.