Shloka 18
The Horse’s Journey
to Cyavana’s Hermitage
अश्विभ्यां भागदानं च कुर्वंतं निर्भयांतरम् । कथयामास भोः स्वामिन्दीयतामश्विनोर्बलि
aśvibhyāṃ bhāgadānaṃ ca kurvaṃtaṃ nirbhayāṃtaram | kathayāmāsa bhoḥ svāmindīyatāmaśvinorbali
നിർഭയനായി അശ്വിനികുമാരന്മാർക്ക് യജ്ഞഭാഗം നൽകുന്നതുകണ്ട്, "ഹേ സ്വാമി! അശ്വിനികുമാരന്മാർക്ക് ബലി (ഹവിസ്സ്) നൽകപ്പെട്ടാലും" എന്ന് (ഇന്ദ്രൻ) പറഞ്ഞു.
Unspecified (a narrator reports that someone addressed the 'svāmin')
Concept: Dharma is upheld through fearless, correct performance of yajña—giving each deity their due share without partiality or fear.
Application: Do your responsibilities with steadiness and fairness; honor rightful shares—credit, gratitude, resources—without intimidation or favoritism.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A fire-altar blazes as an officiant calmly measures oblations, while two luminous Aśvin twins appear at the edge of vision like dawn-riders. A respectful attendant leans forward, addressing the ‘svāmin’ to ensure the Aśvins’ portion is offered, the air shimmering with ghee-scented smoke.","primary_figures":["Aśvinau (Divine Twins)","Yajamāna or officiating master (svāmin)","Ritual attendant/messenger"],"setting":"Yajña pavilion with kusa mats, ladles, ghee pots, and a neatly drawn altar; witnesses seated in orderly rows.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["ghee-gold","smoke-silver","dawn-rose","sandalwood brown","sky blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central yajña-vedi with bright gold leaf flames; the Aśvin twins as radiant, symmetrical figures with gem-studded ornaments and horses suggested in stylized form; the svāmin offering ghee with ornate vessels; rich reds/greens, embossed borders, sacred geometry patterns behind the altar.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate ritual pavilion with delicate lines; soft smoke curls; the Aśvins appear as ethereal dawn figures with subtle halos; cool pastel sky tones, refined facial features, small details of ladles and vessels meticulously rendered.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and flat color fields; vivid yellow-red flames; Aśvin twins with characteristic large eyes and symmetrical stance; ritual implements stylized; background filled with rhythmic floral motifs like temple wall art.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate border of lotuses and vines; central fire-altar with gold highlights; Aśvin twins framed like divine visitors; peacocks at corners; deep indigo ground with intricate white floral detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["crackling fire","wooden ladle taps","soft Vedic chanting","gentle bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्वामिन्दीयतामश्विनोर्बलि = स्वामिन् + दीयताम् + अश्विनोः + बलिः (नकार-लोप/अनुस्वारादि सन्धि; ओः + ब = ओर्ब)
FAQs
The Aśvins are the twin Vedic deities associated with healing, dawn, and swift aid; they are often invoked in ritual contexts and receive a designated share of offerings.
Bhāgadāna means assigning or giving a proper portion/share—typically a prescribed allotment of an offering to a specific deity within a sacrificial or devotional rite.
The verse highlights performing one’s religious duty without inner fear (nirbhayāntaram) and giving each recipient their due share—an ethic of steadiness, fairness, and faithful observance.