Setubandha

SR No.: 001384
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Krishnakant Handiqui
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1976
Total Pages: 812
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English & Literature
File Size: 14 MB

Page 208

SETUBANDĦA
47
The peaks of the (submerged) jewel mountains could be recognized by their lustre in the dwindling waters; and the clouds dropped, like broken branches, from the regions of the sky, creepers as it were, battered by the ocean's hands, its massive waves. (82)
Pierced by the fiery arrows, the hairy shoulders of the sea lions burst into flames; and the terrified serpents, near at hand, twined round the stout white tusks of the sea elephants. (83)
The gem rocks falling from the peaks of the mountains,46 shaken by the arrows, shattered the spreading coral-reefs; and the sea elephants were helpless, being stuck in the clammy poison emitted by the half-burnt serpents. (84)
The mountains, spinning in the vast whirlpools, were dashed against each other, and crumbled; and the regions were covered here and there by the quivering creeper-like smoke17 ascending the tree that was the sky. (85).
The mountains were scattered on all sides, struck down by the arrows, as they flew aloft to save their wings; and the yawning gaps48 were filled with the radiant lustre of the gems emerging from the bosom of the waters rent in twain. (86)
Scorched by the fire, the sea monsters that hid their claws in their bodies were overpowered by the heat;49 and the conches, clinging to one another with mutual affection,50 were driven asunder by the impact of the arrows. (87)
46. The mountains mentioned in this and the next two verses are the winged ones hidden in the ocean, for which see verses 37 and 51. Cf. also verse 82.
47. i.e., the streaks of smoke visible towards the end of the conflagration, 48. i.e., those caused by the mountains escaping from the sea. 49. Cf. Madhava in Extracts.
50. Lit. whose mutual affection was intensified.