Shloka 1
The Slaying of Śālva and the Destruction of Saubha
श्रीशुक उवाच स उपस्पृश्य सलिलं दंशितो धृतकार्मुक: । नय मां द्युमत: पार्श्वं वीरस्येत्याह सारथिम् ॥ १ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca sa upaspṛśya salilaṁ daṁśito dhṛta-kārmukaḥ naya māṁ dyumataḥ pārśvaṁ vīrasyety āha sārathim
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: After touching water to refresh Himself, donning His armor and taking up His bow, Lord Pradyumna told His charioteer, “Take Me to where the hero Dyumān stands.”
Pradyumna was eager to rectify the discrepancy of His having left the battlefield when His chariot driver carried Him away unconscious.
FAQs
This verse shows the warrior first touching water for purification (upaspṛśya salilam), indicating reverence for dharma and inner discipline even amid danger.
Despite being wounded, he remained determined to continue the encounter and specifically sought the hero Dyumān, indicating focused resolve within the ongoing war narrative of Canto 10.
Even under stress or injury, act with composure and principles—begin with a centering, purifying practice and then proceed with clarity and courage toward your duty.