Shloka 18
Yuddha-yajña-vyākhyāna (The Battle as Sacrifice): Ambarīṣa–Indra Saṃvāda
चापवेगायतस्ती क्षण: परकायावभेदन: । ऋणजु: सुनिशित: पीत: सायकश्न स्रुवो महान्
cāpavegāyatas tīkṣṇaḥ parakāyāvabhedanaḥ | ṛjuḥ suniśitaḥ pītaḥ sāyakaḥ śruvo mahān ||
Wika ni Ambarīṣa: “Ang dakilang sandok (śruva) na nasa kamay ng naghahandog ng sakripisyo ay tunay na tulad ng palaso—hinugot ng bilis ng busog, matalim, tuwid, matalas ang gilid, at ‘umiinom’ (ibig sabihi’y basa sa handog). Kaya nitong tumusok sa katawan ng kaaway.”
अम्बरीष उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that dharmic ritual action is not merely ceremonial: when performed with precision and intent, it has decisive power. By likening the śruva to a sharp arrow, it frames disciplined sacrifice as an ethical ‘weapon’ that can overcome hostile forces and protect order.
Ambarīṣa is speaking and uses a vivid metaphor: the sacrificial ladle in the yajamāna’s hand is compared to a bow-driven arrow—sharp, straight, and piercing—emphasizing the potency and seriousness of the sacrificial act.