Shloka 18
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
पाणितालसुतालै श्व शम्पातालै: समैस्तथा । सम्प्रहृष्टे: प्रनृत्यद्भि: शर्वस्तत्र निषेव्यते,वे करताल और सुन्दर ताल बजाकर शम्पा ताल देते हुए समभावसे हर्षविभोर हो जोर-जोरसे नृत्य करते हुए वहाँ भगवान् शंकरकी सेवा करते हैं
pāṇitālasutālaiḥ śvaśampātālaiḥ samais tathā | samprahṛṣṭaiḥ pranṛtyadbhiḥ śarvas tatra niṣevyate ||
Dengan tepuk tangan dan irama yang teratur, disertai pula hentakan śampā-tāla yang lincah, mereka—tetap seimbang dalam sikap namun meluap oleh sukacita—menari dengan gagah. Di tempat itu Śarva (Śiva) dilayani dengan bakti.
वदान्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights devotion expressed through disciplined joy: worship is not only solemn but can be offered through music, rhythm, and dance, provided it remains measured (sama) and directed toward reverent service (niṣevā) of the deity.
A group of devotees (implied by the plural participles) are clapping and keeping rhythmic cycles, giving the śampā-tāla beat, and dancing in exhilaration; through this celebratory performance they attend upon Śarva (Śiva) at that place.