SOURCE: AFI
In an intriguing and unexpected development, the Russian 2S7M Malka, a Soviet-era self-propelled 203 mm cannon renowned as one of the world’s largest mobile artillery systems, has reportedly been spotted with a Sanskrit inscription on its barrel. The inscription, identified as the powerful Narasimha Mantra—“? ????? ???? ?????????? ???????? ???????????? ??????? ????? ????? ????????????? ??????????”—has sparked widespread curiosity and debate.
This mantra, rooted in Hindu tradition and invoking the fierce avatar of Lord Vishnu, Narasimha, is an unusual sight on a Russian military weapon, raising questions about cultural exchange, symbolism, or possible misinformation in the context of modern warfare.
The 2S7M Malka, an upgraded version of the 2S7 Pion (“Peony”), is a Soviet-designed self-propelled howitzer that entered service in 1983 or 1986. Designated “2S7” by the Soviet GRAU, it is mounted on a modified T-80 tank chassis and equipped with a massive 203 mm 2A44 gun, capable of firing high-explosive, nuclear, and rocket-assisted projectiles up to 47.5 km. With a rate of fire of 2.5 rounds per minute and a crew of seven, the Malka is designed to destroy fortifications, bridges, and enemy positions, earning its reputation as a “mighty beast” in artillery warfare.
The Malka’s technical prowess includes an improved fire control system, increased ammunition capacity (eight projectiles), and modernized electronics, with recent upgrades linking it to the 1V12M command vehicle using GLONASS navigation. Over 250 units, possibly up to 1,000, were produced, with Russia maintaining 60 in active service and 260 in reserve as of 2022, while Ukraine operates 99 restored units. The system has seen action in conflicts like the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and the Russo-Ukrainian War, underscoring its enduring relevance.
The appearance of the Narasimha Mantra on a 2S7M Malka’s barrel, as reported on social media platforms like X, has generated significant buzz. The mantra, from the Nrisimha Tapani Upanishad, translates to: “I offer my obeisances to Lord Narasimha, who is fierce, heroic, the great Vishnu, blazing, all-pervading, terrifying yet auspicious, the death of death.” It is a protective invocation used in Hindu tradition to ward off danger and invoke divine strength.
If authentic, the inscription represents a remarkable intersection of cultures, blending India’s ancient spiritual heritage with Russia’s military might. The Narasimha Mantra’s invocation of divine protection could symbolize a psychological or spiritual boost for soldiers in the high-stakes Russo-Ukrainian conflict, where the Malka has been deployed to devastating effect. The mantra’s themes of ferocity and triumph over adversity align with the Malka’s role as a battlefield juggernaut, capable of shattering bunkers and armored defenses.
The 2S7M Malka’s prominence in the Russo-Ukrainian War, as reported by Newsweek and other sources, highlights its strategic importance. Russian forces have deployed the Malka south of Donetsk, while Ukrainian forces have used it with American-supplied M106 203 mm shells since June 2023. The system’s ability to deliver high-explosive shells up to 37.5 km, with rocket-assisted projectiles extending to 55.5 km, makes it a formidable asset, though its size and weight limit mobility.
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