Shloka 18
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
पाणितालसुतालै श्व शम्पातालै: समैस्तथा । सम्प्रहृष्टे: प्रनृत्यद्भि: शर्वस्तत्र निषेव्यते,वे करताल और सुन्दर ताल बजाकर शम्पा ताल देते हुए समभावसे हर्षविभोर हो जोर-जोरसे नृत्य करते हुए वहाँ भगवान् शंकरकी सेवा करते हैं
pāṇitālasutālaiḥ śvaśampātālaiḥ samais tathā | samprahṛṣṭaiḥ pranṛtyadbhiḥ śarvas tatra niṣevyate ||
Dengan tepukan tangan (karatāla) dan rentak yang terukur indah, serta paluan śampā-tāla yang rancak, mereka—seimbang dalam gerak namun melimpah sukacita—menari dengan penuh tenaga. Di tempat itulah Śarva (Śiva) dilayani dan disembah dengan khidmat.
वदान्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights devotion expressed through disciplined joy: worship is not only solemn but can be offered through music, rhythm, and dance, provided it remains measured (sama) and directed toward reverent service (niṣevā) of the deity.
A group of devotees (implied by the plural participles) are clapping and keeping rhythmic cycles, giving the śampā-tāla beat, and dancing in exhilaration; through this celebratory performance they attend upon Śarva (Śiva) at that place.