Shloka 19
अध्याय २७०: प्रहस्त-वधः, धूम्राक्ष-हननं, कुम्भकर्ण-प्रबोधनम्
Chapter 270: Slaying of Prahasta; Defeat of Dhūmrākṣa; Awakening of Kumbhakarṇa
गृहल्लीत चापानि महाधनानि शरांश्व शीघ्र पदवीं चरध्वम् । पुरा हि निर्भत्सनदण्डमोहिता प्रमोहचित्ता वदनेन शुष्यता
gṛhṇīta cāpāni mahādhanāni śarāṃś ca śīghra-padavīṃ caradhvam | purā hi nirbhatsana-daṇḍa-mohitā pramoha-cittā vadanena śuṣyatā ||
Dijo Vaiśaṃpāyana: «Tomad vuestros poderosos arcos y vuestras flechas, y avanzad con presteza por vuestro camino. Pues antes, aturdidos por amenazas y castigos, vuestras mentes cayeron en confusión y se os secó la boca.»
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts paralysis born of intimidation with the need for decisive action: when fear and coercion cloud the mind, one becomes physically and mentally incapacitated; dharmic resolve requires regaining composure and acting swiftly in one’s duty.
Vaiśaṃpāyana narrates a moment of command and mobilization: warriors are urged to seize their weapons and advance quickly, with a reminder that earlier they had been shaken by threats and punishment, leading to confusion and speechless dryness—signs of fear—now to be overcome.