Shloka 3
Āraṇyaka-parva, Adhyāya 17 — Śālva’s encampment and the Yādava counter-engagement at Dvārakā
विक्षिपन् नादयंश्वापि धनु: श्रेष्ठ महाबल: । तूणखड्गधर: शूरो बद्धगोधाड्गुलित्रवान्
vikṣipan nādayaṁśvāpi dhanuḥ śreṣṭha mahābalaḥ | tūṇa-khaḍga-dharaḥ śūro baddha-godhā-aṅgulitravān
Though he did not twang the bow or make it resound, that mighty hero—foremost in strength—moved in controlled readiness, bearing quiver and sword, and wearing a bound thumb-guard made of iguana-skin (godhā).
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Strength is best expressed through restraint and preparedness rather than loud display; disciplined readiness is a mark of true heroism.
Vāyu describes a powerful hero equipped for combat—carrying bow, quiver, and sword, with an archery thumb-guard—yet not ostentatiously twanging the bow, suggesting controlled, purposeful action.