Shloka 30

Adhyaya 2 — The Lineage of Garuda and the Birth of the Wise Birds: Kanka and Kandhara

Sanskrit

कन्धरस्य च सा वेश्म प्राप्येच्छारूपधारिणी ।

मेनकातनया सुभ्रूः सौपर्णं रूपमाददे ॥

Transliteration

kandharasya ca sā veśma prāpyecchārūpadhāriṇī | menakātanayā subhrūḥ sauparṇaṁ rūpam ādade ||

Translation

కంధరా నివాసానికి చేరుకొని, ఇష్టానుసారం రూపం ధరించగల మేనకా సుందరభ్రూవుల కుమార్తె గరుడసదృశమైన పక్షిరూపాన్ని ధరించింది.

Word by Word

कन्धरस्यof Kandhara

चand

साshe

वेश्मthe house; dwelling

प्राप्यhaving reached

इच्छारूपधारिणीassuming forms at will

मेनकातनयाMenakā’s daughter

सुभ्रूःfair-browed

सौपर्णम्bird-like; Garuḍa-like

रूपम्form

आददेassumed; took on

Speakers

Narratorial voice (Purāṇic narrator continuing the episode); not within the Devi Māhātmya frame

Verse Rasa

{ "primaryRasa": "adbhuta", "secondaryRasa": "shanta", "rasaIntensity": 0, "emotionalArcPosition": "", "moodDescriptors": [] }

Key Themes

Transformation (kāmarūpatā)Apsaras/Divine nymph narrativesIllusion and adopted forms (māyā-like motif)

FAQs

What is the philosophical or ethical takeaway?

The verse highlights kāmarūpatā—mastery over appearance and identity. Ethically, it cautions that outward form can be deliberately constructed; discernment (viveka) should rely on conduct and intent rather than mere appearance.

How does this fit the Pancalakshana (5 characteristics)?

This is best classed under Vaṁśānucarita/Carita (narratives connected with lineages and notable episodes), rather than sarga/pratisarga/manvantara. It supports the Purāṇic function of illustrating character and event within a broader genealogical-epic tapestry.

What is the esoteric significance?

Assuming a ‘sauparṇa’ (Garuḍa-like) form can symbolize swift movement, dominion over obstacles, and the power to traverse realms. Esoterically, it can be read as the mind’s capacity to ‘take form’ through saṅकल्प (intention), underscoring how will (icchā) shapes perceived reality.