Shloka 43
Śiva-stavarāja: Upamanyu’s Preface and Initiation of the Śarva-Nāma Enumeration
Anuśāsana-parva 17
कमण्डलुधरो धन्वी बाणहस्त: कपालवान् । अशनी शतघ्नी खड्गी पट्टिशी चायुधी महान्
kamaṇḍaludharo dhanvī bāṇahastaḥ kapālavān | aśanī śataghnī khaḍgī paṭṭiśī cāyudhī mahān ||
Vāyu-dewa bersabda: “Ia tampil sebagai kesatria agung nan utama: memegang kamaṇḍalu, membawa busur, dan menggenggam anak panah; menenteng mangkuk-tengkorak, mengayunkan vajra dan śataghnī, memegang pedang dan paṭṭiśa, serta membawa senjata khasnya, trisula.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse juxtaposes ascetic insignia (kamaṇḍalu, kapāla) with formidable weapons, suggesting an ideal of power governed by restraint: spiritual authority and martial capability are to be integrated under dharma, not driven by mere aggression.
Vāyu-deva describes a mighty figure’s appearance by listing the many items and weapons he bears, emphasizing both awe-inspiring martial readiness and ascetic/ritual markers, thereby portraying a supreme, multi-aspected protector.