Shloka 12
Ūṣā-Haraṇa, Bāṇāsura’s Pride, and Aniruddha’s Capture
Prelude to Hari–Śaṅkara Conflict
बाणस्य मन्त्री कुम्भाण्डश्चित्रलेखा च तत्सुता । सख्यपृच्छत् सखीमूषां कौतूहलसमन्विता ॥ १२ ॥
bāṇasya mantrī kumbhāṇḍaś citralekhā ca tat-sutā sakhy apṛcchat sakhīm ūṣāṁ kautūhala-samanvitā
بانا کا وزیر کُمبھاند تھا اور اس کی بیٹی چِترلیکھا۔ وہ اُوشا کی سہیلی تھی؛ تجسّس سے بھر کر اس نے اپنی سہیلی اُوشا سے پوچھا۔
FAQs
In this verse, Kumbhāṇḍa is identified as Bāṇāsura’s minister, and Citraleekhā is his daughter; they are connected to Ūṣā and become involved by inquiring into her situation.
The verse states she was “kautūhala-samanvitā”—filled with curiosity—so she questioned her friend Ūṣā to understand what was happening.
It highlights how close friendship naturally leads to attentive inquiry; in modern life, sincere relationships and honest questions can help one understand another’s inner state and respond appropriately.