Shloka 25
The Meeting with Puṣkala’s Wife
प्रतापाग्र्यो यो ह्ययं च रिपुगर्वमशातयत् । सव्यापसव्यबाणानां मोक्ता सर्वास्त्रवित्तमः
pratāpāgryo yo hyayaṃ ca ripugarvamaśātayat | savyāpasavyabāṇānāṃ moktā sarvāstravittamaḥ
अयं प्रतापाग्र्यः शत्रुगर्वं निहन्ति स्म। सव्यापसव्यबाणानां मोक्ता, सर्वास्त्रवित्तमः स एव।
Unspecified (narrative voice within the chapter; not indicated in the provided excerpt).
Concept: Skill joined with courage subdues arrogance; mastery is proven by control and precision, not mere aggression.
Application: Train ambidexterity of mind—respond wisely from ‘left and right’: flexibility, preparedness, and humility in victory.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Pratāpāgrya stands in a wide stance, drawing two arrows in swift succession—one released from the left, one from the right—creating crossing trails of light. Fallen enemy standards and a humbled rival king in the background visualize ‘ripugarva’ shattered, while the hero’s face remains disciplined and focused.","primary_figures":["Pratāpāgrya","enemy king (anonymous)","archers and attendants"],"setting":"A battlefield terrace near a fortified underworld city; broken banners, scattered shields, and a clear lane for archery display; weapon-racks showing many astras.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["burnished gold","cobalt blue","scarlet","smoke gray","ivory"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Pratāpāgrya in heroic archery pose, gold leaf on bow, quiver, and crown; gem-studded ornaments; stylized arrow trails as gold arcs; defeated enemy pride shown by lowered banner; rich reds/greens with ornate border and embossed detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: elegant ambidextrous archery moment, delicate brushwork capturing tension in bowstring, refined facial calm, soft dawn gradient, detailed textiles and armor, distant troops rendered as rhythmic dots; lyrical yet martial.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outline of the archer with exaggerated expressive eyes, simplified but powerful bow and arrows, red/yellow/green pigments with cobalt accents, decorative battlefield motifs, temple-wall symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central archer framed by intricate floral borders; arrow trails stylized like decorative vines; deep blue ground with gold highlights; incorporate lotus medallions and peacock motifs at corners while keeping the martial centerpiece."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["bowstring twang","arrow whistle","shouts of troops","drum accents","brief charged silence after impact"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: प्रतापाग्र्यो→प्रतापाग्र्यः; रिपुगर्वमशातयत्→रिपु-गर्वम् अशातयत्; सव्यापसव्यबाणानां→सव्य-अपसव्य-बाणानाम्; सर्वास्त्रवित्तमः→सर्व-अस्त्र-वित्तमः
FAQs
It describes the ability to shoot arrows from both sides—left-handed and right-handed—indicating exceptional martial skill and control.
It praises a hero as supreme in valor, one who humbles enemies by breaking their arrogance and who excels in comprehensive knowledge of weapons.
Beyond warfare, it can be read as a call to overcome arrogance—whether in opponents or within oneself—through strength guided by discipline and mastery.