Shloka 18
Yuddha-yajña-vyākhyāna (The Battle as Sacrifice): Ambarīṣa–Indra Saṃvāda
चापवेगायतस्ती क्षण: परकायावभेदन: । ऋणजु: सुनिशित: पीत: सायकश्न स्रुवो महान्
cāpavegāyatas tīkṣṇaḥ parakāyāvabhedanaḥ | ṛjuḥ suniśitaḥ pītaḥ sāyakaḥ śruvo mahān ||
Ambarīṣa dit : «La grande louche (śruva) qui repose dans la main du sacrifiant est, en vérité, semblable à une flèche : lancée par la vitesse de l’arc, aiguë, droite, au tranchant vif, et “buvante” (c’est-à-dire mouillée de l’oblation). Elle peut percer le corps de l’ennemi.»
अम्बरीष उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that dharmic ritual action is not merely ceremonial: when performed with precision and intent, it has decisive power. By likening the śruva to a sharp arrow, it frames disciplined sacrifice as an ethical ‘weapon’ that can overcome hostile forces and protect order.
Ambarīṣa is speaking and uses a vivid metaphor: the sacrificial ladle in the yajamāna’s hand is compared to a bow-driven arrow—sharp, straight, and piercing—emphasizing the potency and seriousness of the sacrificial act.