Shloka 13
Ūṣā-Haraṇa, Bāṇāsura’s Pride, and Aniruddha’s Capture
Prelude to Hari–Śaṅkara Conflict
कं त्वं मृगयसे सुभ्रु कीदृशस्ते मनोरथ: । हस्तग्राहं न तेऽद्यापि राजपुत्र्युपलक्षये ॥ १३ ॥
kaṁ tvaṁ mṛgayase su-bhru kīdṛśas te manorathaḥ hasta-grāhaṁ na te ’dyāpi rāja-putry upalakṣaye
Citralekhā berkata: “Wahai yang berkening indah, siapakah yang engkau cari? Apakah hajat yang bergelora dalam hatimu? Wahai puteri raja, hingga kini aku belum melihat seorang lelaki pun mengambil tanganmu untuk perkahwinan.”
FAQs
This verse uses “hastagrāha” as a clear marker of accepted marriage; Bāṇāsura says he sees no sign that the princess has formally taken a husband’s hand.
Sensing his daughter’s unusual longing and secrecy, Bāṇāsura questions whom she is seeking and notes that she has not undergone the recognized marriage rite—hinting at a hidden relationship.
It highlights the value of clarity and integrity in relationships—being honest about one’s intentions and ensuring commitments are made responsibly rather than in secrecy.