Shloka 12
Śālva Attacks Dvārakā; Pradyumna Leads the Defense
Saubha-vimāna and Māyā-yuddha
इत्यर्द्यमाना सौभेन कृष्णस्य नगरी भृशम् । नाभ्यपद्यत शं राजंस्त्रिपुरेण यथा मही ॥ १२ ॥
ity ardyamānā saubhena kṛṣṇasya nagarī bhṛśam nābhyapadyata śaṁ rājaṁs tri-pureṇa yathā mahī
Thus, grievously tormented by the Saubha airship, Lord Kṛṣṇa’s city, O King, found no peace—like the earth when assailed by the three aerial cities of Tripura.
FAQs
This verse states that even though Dvārakā was intensely harassed by Saubha, it did not collapse or surrender, implying the city’s protection under Lord Kṛṣṇa’s divine shelter.
Śukadeva uses Tripura as a well-known mythic benchmark of overwhelming assault; the point is that just as the earth endured, Dvārakā also remained unbroken despite severe aggression.
It teaches steadiness: even when circumstances feel like a relentless attack, one can remain grounded by taking shelter of dharma and devotion, not yielding to fear or panic.