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 ||
अम्बरीष ने कहा—यजमान के हाथ में स्थित महान् शृव (हविष्य-लड्ढा) वास्तव में बाण के समान है—धनुष के वेग से खिंचा हुआ, सीधा, अत्यन्त तीक्ष्ण, पैना और हवि से ‘पीता’ हुआ; वह शत्रु के शरीर को विदीर्ण करने में समर्थ है।
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.