Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 21
Nahusha’s Challenge to Hunda and the Mustering of Battle
चतुरंगबलं मेऽद्य योजयस्व हि सत्वरम् । एवमाकर्ण्य तत्तस्य हुंडस्यापि ततो लघुः
caturaṃgabalaṃ me'dya yojayasva hi satvaram | evamākarṇya tattasya huṃḍasyāpi tato laghuḥ
«Déploie aujourd’hui mon armée aux quatre corps ; fais-le sans tarder !» L’ayant entendu, Huṇḍa s’exécuta aussitôt.
Unspecified (a commanding figure addressing a subordinate/minister/commander)
Concept: When duty calls, act without delay; disciplined speed is a virtue in protecting order.
Application: Respond promptly to responsibilities; avoid procrastination when others depend on your action.
Primary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A commander’s raised hand signals urgency as messengers sprint and officers relay orders down the ranks. The fourfold army—infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots—locks into formation like a moving mandala of steel and cloth, banners aligning in a single breath of time.","primary_figures":["commanding figure","Huṇḍa (commander/agent)","messengers","infantry captains","elephant mahouts"],"setting":"Mustering ground outside a palace-fort, with dust rising from hooves and wheels; command pavilion with scrolls and standards.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["steel gray","saffron","crimson","smoke brown","pearl white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: the king/commander issues a sharp command from a jeweled pavilion; Huṇḍa bows and turns to act; gold leaf on command canopy, parasols, and weapon hilts; rich reds/greens with ornate borders; dynamic yet symmetrical troop tiers behind.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a crisp narrative moment—Huṇḍa mid-stride, officers gesturing, horses angled; pale sky and distant hills; delicate facial expressions showing urgency; fine textile patterns on banners and saddlecloths.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized urgency with bold outlines—Huṇḍa’s forward motion emphasized; rhythmic repetition of soldiers; warm reds and yellows dominate; decorative cloud bands and floral motifs framing the command scene.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a processional geometry of troops arranged like concentric patterns; ornate floral border; deep blue background with gold highlights; banners and parasols rendered as ceremonial motifs; peacocks and lotuses subtly integrated into corners."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["kettle drums","short conch blasts","hoofbeats","shouted commands","metallic clinks"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मेऽद्य = मे + अद्य; एवमाकर्ण्य = एवम् + आकर्ण्य; तत्तस्य = तत् + तस्य; हुंडस्यापि = हुंडस्य + अपि
FAQs
It refers to the classical fourfold army: infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants—an idiom for a complete military force.
The verse names Huṇḍa as an actor who responds swiftly after hearing the command; the specific identity (king/warrior/leader) depends on the surrounding narrative of Adhyaya 114.
It highlights decisive command and immediate execution—often used in Purāṇic narrative to show urgency, preparedness, and the momentum of impending conflict.