Shloka 23

Prajñā as Pratiṣṭhā — Indra–Kāśyapa Saṃvāda (Śānti-parva 12.173)

Devanagari script

इत्युक्ता राक्षसास्तेन शूलपट्टिशपाणय:

Transliteration

ity uktā rākṣasās tena śūla-paṭṭiśa-pāṇayaḥ

Translation

इत्युक्ता राक्षसास्तेन शूलपट्टिशपाणयः॥

Word by Word

• इति: thus
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: इति

• उक्ताः: having been spoken to / addressed
• उक्ताः: Karta
• Type: Adjective
• Root: वच् (क्त-प्रत्ययान्त: उक्त)
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Plural

• राक्षसाः: Rakshasas (demons)
• राक्षसाः: Karta
• Type: Noun
• Root: राक्षस
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Plural

• तेन: by him
• तेन: Karana
• Type: Pronoun
• Root: तद्
• Form: Masculine/Neuter, Instrumental, Singular

• शूलपट्टिशपाणयः: those having spears and swords in hand / spear-and-sword-handed
• शूलपट्टिशपाणयः: Karta
• Type: Noun
• Root: शूल + पट्टिश + पाणि
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Plural

Speaker

भीष्म उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Bhīṣma
• rākṣasas
• śūla (spear)
• paṭṭiśa (battle-axe)

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

The line highlights how speech and command can immediately mobilize violence: once a leader’s words are issued, armed agents stand prepared to execute them. In dharma-reflection, it underscores the ethical weight of giving orders and the responsibility to restrain force unless it is justified.

What is happening in the narrative?

Bhīṣma narrates that, after being addressed by a certain person, the rākṣasas—armed with spears and battle-axes—are poised for action. The verse functions as a transition into the next event, emphasizing readiness for conflict.