Shloka 24
Hymn of Victory: Varāha, the Slaying of Hiraṇyākṣa, and the Praise of Viṣṇu
अपातयत्तदा भूम्यां कालः खड्गेन दानवान् । मृत्युश्शक्त्या तथा दैत्यान्पाशी पाशेन चापरान्
apātayattadā bhūmyāṃ kālaḥ khaḍgena dānavān | mṛtyuśśaktyā tathā daityānpāśī pāśena cāparān
അപ്പോൾ കാലൻ ഖഡ്ഗംകൊണ്ട് ദാനവരെ ഭൂമിയിലേക്കു വീഴ്ത്തി; മൃത്യു ശക്തി (കുന്തം)കൊണ്ട് ദൈത്യരെ നിപാതപ്പെടുത്തി; പാശധാരി പാശംകൊണ്ട് മറ്റു ശത്രുക്കളെ ബന്ധിച്ചു।
Unknown (narratorial voice; surrounding dialogue not provided)
Concept: Adharma is ultimately subdued by the impersonal, inexorable powers that uphold cosmic order.
Application: Cultivate humility and ethical restraint: power, lineage, and aggression cannot outlast time; align actions with dharma to avoid self-destruction.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A vast, dust-choked battlefield under a bruised sky where personified Kāla strides like a dark comet, sword flashing as Dānavas collapse to the earth. Beside him, Mṛtyu advances with a spear of cold light, while a stern noose-bearer binds fleeing foes, the noose glowing like a ring of fate.","primary_figures":["Kāla (personified Time)","Mṛtyu (personified Death)","Pāśadhara (noose-wielder, Yama-like figure)","Dānavas","Daityas"],"setting":"Mythic cosmic battlefield with shattered chariots, fallen banners, and swirling ash; distant silhouettes of celestial observers in the sky.","lighting_mood":"storm-lit with intermittent divine radiance","color_palette":["obsidian black","blood crimson","ashen gray","cold silver","smoky indigo"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Kāla as a towering dark-hued deity with a radiant gold-leaf halo, jeweled sword raised; Mṛtyu with a spear of silver light; a noose-wielder binding demons at their feet; ornate borders, rich maroon and emerald accents, gem-studded ornaments, traditional South Indian iconographic symmetry, gold leaf embellishment highlighting weapons and halos.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a lyrical yet intense battlefield scene with delicate brushwork—Kāla and Mṛtyu rendered with refined faces and flowing garments, demons tumbling in stylized motion; cool indigo sky, pale dust haze, fine linework for weapons; distant celestial onlookers in soft washes, rhythmic composition typical of Himalayan miniatures.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments—Kāla and Mṛtyu in commanding frontal dynamism, large expressive eyes, stylized armor and ornaments; red/yellow/green palette with deep black ground, temple-wall aesthetic, weapons highlighted with ochre and white, demons in contorted poses below.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: cosmic order motif—central dark figure of Kāla framed by ornate floral borders and lotus medallions; swirling clouds and symbolic noose rings; deep blues and gold, intricate patterning; although Krishna-centered conventions are adapted, keep Nathdwara-like decorative density with peacocks and floral filigree at the margins, battlefield elements stylized into motifs."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["war drums","conch shell","thunder","clashing metal","sudden silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अपातयत्तदा → अपातयत् + तदा. मृत्युश्शक्त्या → मृत्युः + शक्त्या (विसर्ग-सन्धि: उः + श → उश्श). दैत्यान्पाशी → दैत्यान् + पाशी (अनुस्वार/नकार-सन्धि). चापरान् → च + अपरान्.
FAQs
They are personifications of cosmic Time (Kāla) and Death (Mṛtyu), depicted as active forces that subdue demonic powers and restore order.
Both are broad classes of asuras (anti-god beings) in Purāṇic literature; naming them separately intensifies the scope of the defeat—multiple hostile lineages are being subdued.
The verse implies that adharma is ultimately checked by impersonal cosmic law—Time and Death inevitably bring down those who act violently or arrogantly, reasserting moral order.