Shloka 19
अध्याय २७०: प्रहस्त-वधः, धूम्राक्ष-हननं, कुम्भकर्ण-प्रबोधनम्
Chapter 270: Slaying of Prahasta; Defeat of Dhūmrākṣa; Awakening of Kumbhakarṇa
गृहल्लीत चापानि महाधनानि शरांश्व शीघ्र पदवीं चरध्वम् । पुरा हि निर्भत्सनदण्डमोहिता प्रमोहचित्ता वदनेन शुष्यता
gṛhṇīta cāpāni mahādhanāni śarāṃś ca śīghra-padavīṃ caradhvam | purā hi nirbhatsana-daṇḍa-mohitā pramoha-cittā vadanena śuṣyatā ||
வைசம்பாயனர் கூறினார்— “மிகப் பெரிய வில்ல்களையும் அம்புகளையும் எடுத்துக்கொண்டு, உங்கள் வழியில் விரைந்து செல்லுங்கள். ஏனெனில் முன்பு அச்சுறுத்தலும் தண்டனையும் உங்களை மயக்கி, மனம் குழம்பச் செய்தது; வாயும் வறண்டது।”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts paralysis born of intimidation with the need for decisive action: when fear and coercion cloud the mind, one becomes physically and mentally incapacitated; dharmic resolve requires regaining composure and acting swiftly in one’s duty.
Vaiśaṃpāyana narrates a moment of command and mobilization: warriors are urged to seize their weapons and advance quickly, with a reminder that earlier they had been shaken by threats and punishment, leading to confusion and speechless dryness—signs of fear—now to be overcome.