Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 21
Nahusha’s Challenge to Hunda and the Mustering of Battle
चतुरंगबलं मेऽद्य योजयस्व हि सत्वरम् । एवमाकर्ण्य तत्तस्य हुंडस्यापि ततो लघुः
caturaṃgabalaṃ me'dya yojayasva hi satvaram | evamākarṇya tattasya huṃḍasyāpi tato laghuḥ
“Hôm nay hãy triển khai đạo quân bốn binh chủng của ta—mau lên!” Nghe vậy, Huṇḍa liền tức khắc hành động và tiến bước.
Unspecified (a commanding figure addressing a subordinate/minister/commander)
Concept: When duty calls, act without delay; disciplined speed is a virtue in protecting order.
Application: Respond promptly to responsibilities; avoid procrastination when others depend on your action.
Primary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A commander’s raised hand signals urgency as messengers sprint and officers relay orders down the ranks. The fourfold army—infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots—locks into formation like a moving mandala of steel and cloth, banners aligning in a single breath of time.","primary_figures":["commanding figure","Huṇḍa (commander/agent)","messengers","infantry captains","elephant mahouts"],"setting":"Mustering ground outside a palace-fort, with dust rising from hooves and wheels; command pavilion with scrolls and standards.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["steel gray","saffron","crimson","smoke brown","pearl white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: the king/commander issues a sharp command from a jeweled pavilion; Huṇḍa bows and turns to act; gold leaf on command canopy, parasols, and weapon hilts; rich reds/greens with ornate borders; dynamic yet symmetrical troop tiers behind.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a crisp narrative moment—Huṇḍa mid-stride, officers gesturing, horses angled; pale sky and distant hills; delicate facial expressions showing urgency; fine textile patterns on banners and saddlecloths.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized urgency with bold outlines—Huṇḍa’s forward motion emphasized; rhythmic repetition of soldiers; warm reds and yellows dominate; decorative cloud bands and floral motifs framing the command scene.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a processional geometry of troops arranged like concentric patterns; ornate floral border; deep blue background with gold highlights; banners and parasols rendered as ceremonial motifs; peacocks and lotuses subtly integrated into corners."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["kettle drums","short conch blasts","hoofbeats","shouted commands","metallic clinks"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मेऽद्य = मे + अद्य; एवमाकर्ण्य = एवम् + आकर्ण्य; तत्तस्य = तत् + तस्य; हुंडस्यापि = हुंडस्य + अपि
FAQs
It refers to the classical fourfold army: infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants—an idiom for a complete military force.
The verse names Huṇḍa as an actor who responds swiftly after hearing the command; the specific identity (king/warrior/leader) depends on the surrounding narrative of Adhyaya 114.
It highlights decisive command and immediate execution—often used in Purāṇic narrative to show urgency, preparedness, and the momentum of impending conflict.