Shloka 56
Instruction to Śatrughna and the Mobilization for Rāma’s Aśvamedha
शत्रुघ्न गच्छ वाहस्य मार्गं भद्रं भवेत्तव । भवेतां शत्रुविजयौ रिपुकर्षण ते भुजौ
śatrughna gaccha vāhasya mārgaṃ bhadraṃ bhavettava | bhavetāṃ śatruvijayau ripukarṣaṇa te bhujau
Wahai Śatrughna, tempuhlah jalan tungganganmu; semoga keberkahan menyertaimu. Wahai penunduk musuh, semoga kedua lenganmu menang atas lawan, menarik mereka jatuh dalam kekalahan.
Unspecified (benedictory address to Śatrughna within the narrative)
Concept: Auspicious speech (maṅgala) empowers righteous endeavor; victory is sought as the defeat of adharma, not personal hatred.
Application: Begin tasks with a blessing and clear intention; channel strength toward protection and restraint, not domination.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A dignified elder or unseen narrator’s blessing seems to manifest as a golden script in the air around Śatrughna. He strides beside the moving mount, arms strong and steady, while the path ahead glows with auspicious signs—lotus-like light patterns and protective emblems warding off unseen foes.","primary_figures":["Śatrughna","benedictory presence (sage/voice as luminous script)"],"setting":"A long descending road with protective symbols appearing in the air; distant silhouettes of adversaries dissolving under the force of the blessing; cavern walls studded with faintly glowing crystals.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["antique gold","deep indigo","copper brown","jade green","ivory"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Śatrughna marching as rear-guard, surrounded by gold-leaf maṅgala inscriptions and protective motifs, ornate borders, rich reds and greens, gem-like highlights on cavern crystals, traditional heroic posture with blessing aura.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: Śatrughna on a winding path, delicate golden calligraphy-like blessing floating above, cool indigo shadows with warm highlights, refined expression of calm courage, subtle landscape depth suggesting descent into Pātāla.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Śatrughna framed by bold ornamental borders, stylized blessing text as decorative bands, warm pigment palette, large expressive eyes, rhythmic repetition of protective emblems along the path.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Auspicious motifs—lotuses, vines, and protective symbols—forming a border around Śatrughna as guardian; deep blue cloth ground with gold detailing; intricate floral patterns transforming the ‘path’ into a sacred procession band."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft bells","low drum (mridang)","wind hush","distant conch"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: भवेत्+तव → भवेत् तव (IAST: bhavettava, external sandhi); शत्रुविजयौ = शत्रु+विजयौ (तत्पुरुष); रिपुकर्षण = रिपु+कर्षण (तत्पुरुष).
FAQs
Śatrughna is traditionally known as one of the four brothers of Rāma, celebrated for loyalty and martial strength; here he is addressed directly in a blessing for safe passage and victory.
“Ripukarṣaṇa” literally means “one who draws down (or drags away) enemies,” i.e., a subduer/overpowerer of foes—an epithet praising martial capability.
The verse frames righteous action as requiring both auspicious guidance (safe passage on one’s path) and disciplined strength (arms that conquer enemies), aligning duty with protection and order.