Shloka 8
Kṛṣṇasya asāṃnidhya-kāraṇaṃ — Śālva–Soubha-vṛttāntaḥ
Why Kṛṣṇa was absent; the Śālva and Saubha account
सभुशुण्ड्यश्मगुडका सायुधा सपरश्वधा । लोहचर्मवती चापि साग्नि: सगुडशुज्धिका,अस्त्रोंसे भरे हुए मिट्टी और चमड़ेके असंख्य पात्र रखे गये थे। भरतश्रेष्ठ! ढोल, नगारे और मृदंग आदि जुझाऊ बाजे भी बज रहे थे। राजन्! तोमर, अंकुश, शतघ्नी, लांगल, भुशुण्डी, पत्थरके गोले, अन्यान्य अस्त्र-शस्त्र, फरसे, बहुत-सी सुदृढ़ ढालें और गोला- बारूदसे भरी हुई तोपें यथास्थान तैयार रखी गयी थीं
sabhuśuṇḍya-aśmagudakāḥ sāyudhāḥ saparaśvadhāḥ | lohacarmavatī cāpi sāgniḥ sagudaśuddhikā ||
Vāyu-deva said: “There were bhūśuṇḍī-launchers and stone-shot projectiles, along with weapons and battle-axes. There were also strong shields clad in iron and leather, and fire-bearing devices and engines stocked with pellets and ammunition—kept in readiness in their proper places.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds the reality of organized violence: war is sustained not only by heroes but by logistics—stockpiled weapons, defensive gear, and specialized engines. Ethically, it invites reflection on how preparation and technology amplify conflict and how rulers must weigh the consequences of militarization.
Vāyu-deva describes a scene of martial readiness: various weapons, stone-shot projectiles, axes, sturdy shields, and fire-bearing devices are arranged and kept prepared in their proper stations, suggesting a fortified or battle-ready setting.