Shloka 167
समन्तपञ्चक-आख्यानम् तथा अक्षौहिणी-प्रमाणनिर्णयः
Samantapañcaka Narrative and the Measure of an Akṣauhiṇī
आगस््त्यमपि चाख्यानं यत्र वातापिभक्षणम् | लोपामुद्राभिगमनमपत्यार्थमृषेस्तथा,इसके बाद अगस्त्य-चरित्र है, जिसमें उनके वातापिभक्षण तथा संतानके लिये लोपामुद्राके साथ समागमका वर्णन है
Āgastyam api cākhyānaṁ yatra Vātāpibhakṣaṇam | Lopāmudrābhigamanaṁ apatyārtham ṛṣes tathā ||
Dito rin isinasalaysay ang kuwento ni Agastya—kung paano niya nilamon si Vātāpi, at kung paano lumapit ang pantas kay Lopāmudrā upang magkaanak. Ipinahihiwatig ng talatang ito ang isang salaysay na pinagsasama ang pambihirang kapangyarihan ng pag-aayuno at pagninilay sa tungkulin ng tahanan, at itinatanghal ang pag-aanak hindi bilang paglalayaw, kundi bilang sinadyang gawa na nakaayon sa dharma.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse gestures to a dharmic balance: a sage’s extraordinary spiritual power is not opposed to worldly responsibility. Agastya’s union with Lopāmudrā is framed as apatyārtha—undertaken for the purpose of progeny—highlighting intention and duty rather than mere pleasure.
The text announces an upcoming episode: the Agastya legend, including the famous event of Vātāpi’s being consumed, and Agastya’s approach to Lopāmudrā for begetting children—signposting key motifs of power, protection, and lineage.