Shloka 21
पराशरस्य राक्षससत्रनिवृत्तिः | Paraśara’s Rakṣasa-Satra and Its Cessation
यथा हि ते मया प्राणा: संगृहीता नरेश्वर । दर्शनादेव भूयस्त्वं तथा प्राणान् ममाहर:,नरेश्वर! जैसे आपके प्राण मेरे अधीन हैं, उसी प्रकार आपने भी दर्शनमात्रसे ही मेरे प्राणोंको हर लिया है
yathā hi te mayā prāṇāḥ saṅgṛhītā nareśvara | darśanād eva bhūyas tvaṃ tathā prāṇān mamāharaḥ ||
नरेश्वर! जैसे आपके प्राण मेरे वश में थे, वैसे ही आपने केवल दर्शन-मात्र से मेरे प्राण फिर से हर लिये।
गन्धर्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts outer control with inner influence: even if one can physically overpower another, a person’s presence, virtue, or charisma can ‘conquer’ the victor’s heart and pride. It hints that ethical and spiritual force can surpass brute strength.
A Gandharva addresses a king, acknowledging that although he had the king’s life in his grasp, the king’s very appearance has overwhelmed him in return—an admission of being inwardly defeated or captivated despite outward advantage.