Shloka 12
Ūṣā-Haraṇa, Bāṇāsura’s Pride, and Aniruddha’s Capture
Prelude to Hari–Śaṅkara Conflict
बाणस्य मन्त्री कुम्भाण्डश्चित्रलेखा च तत्सुता । सख्यपृच्छत् सखीमूषां कौतूहलसमन्विता ॥ १२ ॥
bāṇasya mantrī kumbhāṇḍaś citralekhā ca tat-sutā sakhy apṛcchat sakhīm ūṣāṁ kautūhala-samanvitā
बाणस्य मन्त्री कुम्भाण्डः, तस्य च सुता चित्रलेखा; सा ऊषायाः सखी कौतूहलसमन्विता सखीम् ऊषां पप्रच्छ।
FAQs
In this verse, Kumbhāṇḍa is identified as Bāṇāsura’s minister, and Citraleekhā is his daughter; they are connected to Ūṣā and become involved by inquiring into her situation.
The verse states she was “kautūhala-samanvitā”—filled with curiosity—so she questioned her friend Ūṣā to understand what was happening.
It highlights how close friendship naturally leads to attentive inquiry; in modern life, sincere relationships and honest questions can help one understand another’s inner state and respond appropriately.