Kārttikeya-Abhiṣecana: Mātṛgaṇa-Nāma Saṃkīrtana and Skanda’s Commission
ज्वालाजिह्ठवः करालाक्ष: शितिकेशो जटी हरि: । परिश्रुत: कोकनद: कृष्णकेशो जटाधर:
jvālājihṭhavaḥ karālākṣaḥ śitikēśo jaṭī hariḥ | pariśrutaḥ kokanadaḥ kṛṣṇakeśo jaṭādharaḥ ||
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは語った。「彼は恐るべく目を奪う数多の異名で知られていた——『炎の舌をもつ者』『恐るべき眼の者』『白髪の者』『結髪の者』『黄褐色(獅子のごとき)』『広く名高き者』『蓮華のごとき者』『黒髪の者』、そして『結髪を戴く者』。」
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights how epic narration uses epithets to convey character and moral atmosphere: reputation and perceived power can sway courage, fear, and choices on the battlefield, reminding readers that ethical conduct in war is shaped not only by weapons but also by fame, intimidation, and self-mastery.
Vaiśampāyana is describing a formidable figure through a sequence of vivid epithets—focusing on appearance (eyes, hair, matted locks) and renown—heightening the dramatic tension typical of Shalya Parva’s war setting.