Shloka 17
इन्द्रवृत्रयुद्धवर्णनम्
Indra–Vṛtra Conflict and the Adversaries’ Tapas-Targeting Counsel
विरावश्व सुरावश्व तस्मिन् युक्तौ रथे हयौ | ऊहतुः सवसूनाशु तावगस्त्याश्रमं प्रति,उस रथमें विराव और सुराव नामक दो घोड़े जुते हुए थे। वे धनसहित राजाओं तथा अगस्त्य मुनिको शीघ्र ही मानो पलक मारते ही अगस्त्याश्रमकी ओर ले भागे। उस समय इल्वल असुरने अगस्त्य मुनिके पीछे जाकर उनको मारनेकी इच्छा की, परंतु महातेजस्वी अगस्त्यमुनिने उस महादैत्य इल्वलको हुंकारसे ही भस्म कर दिया। तदनन्तर उन वायुके समान वेगवाले घोड़ोंने उन सबको मुनिके आश्रमपर पहुँचा दिया। भरतनन्दन! फिर अगस्त्यजीकी आज्ञा ले वे राजर्षिगण अपनी-अपनी राजधानीको चले गये और महर्षिने लोपामुद्राकी सभी इच्छाएँ पूर्ण कीं
virāvaśva-surāvaśvau tasmin yuktau rathe hayau | ūhatuḥ sa-vasūn āśu tāv agastyāśramaṃ prati ||
Lomasha said: In that chariot were yoked two horses named Virāva and Surāva. Swiftly they bore those kings—together with their treasures—toward the hermitage of Agastya, as if in the blink of an eye. In the same episode, Ilvala the asura pursued Agastya with the intent to kill him, but the mighty sage reduced that great demon to ashes by a mere roar. Then those wind-swift horses brought them all to the sage’s āśrama. After receiving Agastya’s permission, the royal seers returned to their respective capitals, and the great ṛṣi fulfilled all of Lopāmudrā’s wishes.
लोगमश उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights the protective power of tapas and righteousness: a sage established in spiritual strength can neutralize violent intent without conventional weapons, and rightful conduct includes seeking permission, honoring sages, and returning to one’s duties after receiving guidance.
Two named horses, Virāva and Surāva, swiftly carry kings with their wealth to Agastya’s hermitage. Ilvala attempts to kill Agastya but is reduced to ashes by the sage’s powerful roar. The visitors reach the āśrama safely, take Agastya’s leave, return to their kingdoms, and Agastya fulfills Lopāmudrā’s wishes.