Dhruva’s War with the Yakṣas and the Protection of the Holy Name
तत: परिघनिस्त्रिंशै: प्रासशूलपरश्वधै: । शक्त्यृष्टिभिर्भुशुण्डीभिश्चित्रवाजै: शरैरपि ॥ ११ ॥ अभ्यवर्षन् प्रकुपिता: सरथं सहसारथिम् । इच्छन्तस्तत्प्रतीकर्तुमयुतानां त्रयोदश ॥ १२ ॥
tataḥ parigha-nistriṁśaiḥ prāsaśūla-paraśvadhaiḥ śakty-ṛṣṭibhir bhuśuṇḍībhiś citra-vājaiḥ śarair api
The Yakṣa soldiers were 130,000 strong, all greatly angry and all desiring to defeat the wonderful activities of Dhruva Mahārāja. With full strength they showered upon Mahārāja Dhruva, along with his chariot and charioteer, various types of feathered arrows, parighas [iron bludgeons], nistriṁśas [swords], prāsaśūlas [tridents], paraśvadhas [lances], śaktis [pikes], ṛṣṭis [spears] and bhuśuṇḍī weapons.
It describes the Yakṣas fiercely attacking Dhruva with many kinds of weapons—clubs, swords, spears, tridents, axes, missiles, and various arrows—showing the intensity of the combat.
In this chapter’s narrative, the Yakṣas oppose Dhruva during his campaign against them after the killing of his brother Uttama, leading to a violent confrontation.
Even when circumstances feel like an “onslaught,” steadiness in duty and remembrance of the Lord helps one remain composed and purposeful rather than crushed by fear.