Shloka 19
Pradyumna–Śālva Missile-Exchange at Saubha (Āraṇyaka Parva, Adhyāya 18)
कि वक्ष्यति शिनेर्नप्ता नरसिंहो महाधनु: । अपयातं रणात् सूत साम्बश्न समितिंजय:,'सूत! युद्धसे भागनेपर मनुष्योंमें सिंहके समान पराक्रमी महाधनुर्धर सात्यकि तथा समरविजयी साम्ब मुझसे क्या कहेंगे?
ki vakṣyati śiner naptā narasiṁho mahādhanuḥ | apayātaṁ raṇāt sūta sāmbaś ca samitiṁjayaḥ ||
হে সূত! ৰণক্ষেত্ৰৰ পৰা উভতি অহা মোক দেখি, শিনিৰ নাতি—মানুহৰ মাজত সিংহসম মহাধনুৰ্ধৰ সাত্যকি—আৰু সমিতিজয়ী সাম্ব মোক কি ক’ব?
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of reputation and accountability in warfare: retreating from battle invites scrutiny from valorous peers, reminding a warrior (and his aide) that duty and courage are judged by the community of the brave.
Vāyu addresses a charioteer who has withdrawn from combat, expressing concern about how renowned fighters—Sātyaki and Sāmba—will respond to or judge this retreat.