Simple Elucidation of the Verse
Even as the community of cowherd men and women watched on in absolute terror, the young Lord Kaṇṇapirān ascended a towering kadamba tree that had miraculously burst into full blossom. From its heights, He plunged forcefully into the venomous waters, landing with precision upon the head of the great serpent, Kāḷiyan. He then commenced