Shloka 19
Śatarudrīya-prabhāva and Rudra’s Supremacy (शतरुद्रीयप्रभावः)
व्यालयज्ञोपवीती च लोहिताड्गदभूषण: । हरिश्मश्रुर्जटी भीमो भयकर्ता सुरद्विषाम्
vyālayajñopavītī ca lohitāṅgadabhūṣaṇaḥ | hariśmaśrur jaṭī bhīmo bhayakartā suradviṣām ||
व्यालयज्ञोपवीती च लोहिताङ्गदभूषणः। हरिश्मश्रुर्जटी भीमो भयकर्ता सुरद्विषाम्॥
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that spiritual or divine authority may appear outwardly fearsome: ascetic marks (jaṭā) and formidable emblems (serpent-thread, red ornaments) signify power used to uphold cosmic order by restraining forces opposed to dharma.
Nārada is describing a formidable figure’s appearance—his serpent-made sacred thread, red armlets/ornaments, tawny beard, and matted hair—emphasizing that he is terrifying to the enemies of the gods.