Shloka 19
Yuddha-yajña-vyākhyāna (The Battle as Sacrifice): Ambarīṣa–Indra Saṃvāda
दीपिचर्मावनद्धश्न नागदन्तकृतत्सरु: । हस्तिहस्तहर: खड्ग: स्फ्यो भवेत् तस्य संयुगे
dīpicarmāvanaddhaś ca nāgadantakṛtatsaruḥ | hastihastaharaḥ khaḍgaḥ sphyo bhavet tasya saṃyuge ||
Dijo Ambarīṣa: «Una espada guardada en una vaina de piel de leopardo, con empuñadura hecha de marfil de elefante, y tan afilada que puede cercenar la trompa de un elefante: tal espada se vuelve, en el fragor del combate, un verdadero amparo y ventaja para quien la porta».
अम्बरीष उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights practical preparedness in the context of righteous warfare: when conflict is unavoidable, appropriate equipment and readiness function as protection, enabling one to carry out duty with greater safety and effectiveness.
Ambarīṣa is describing an ideal battle-sword—its scabbard material, its ivory hilt, and its cutting power—emphasizing how such a weapon serves as a decisive safeguard in combat.