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 ||
Ambarīṣa dit : «Une épée gardée dans un fourreau de peau de léopard, dont la poignée est taillée dans l’ivoire d’éléphant, et si tranchante qu’elle peut sectionner la trompe d’un éléphant—une telle épée devient, dans la mêlée, une véritable protection et un avantage pour celui qui la porte.»
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.