Shloka 13
Pradyumna–Śālva Missile-Exchange at Saubha (Āraṇyaka Parva, Adhyāya 18)
न स वृष्णिकुले जातो यो वै त्यजति संगरम् | यो वा निपतितं हन्ति तवास्मीति च वादिनम्,वृष्णिवंशमें ऐसा कोई (वीर पुरुष) नहीं पैदा हुआ है, जो युद्ध छोड़कर भाग जाय अथवा गिरे हुएको तथा “मैं आपका हूँ यह कहनेवालेको मारे
na sa vṛṣṇikule jāto yo vai tyajati saṅgaram | yo vā nipatitaṃ hanti tavāsmīti ca vādinaṃ |
In the Vṛṣṇi lineage, no man is born who would abandon the battle and flee; nor one who would strike down a fallen foe—especially one who declares, “I am yours,” seeking refuge.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
True valor is governed by dharma: a warrior should not desert the battlefield out of cowardice, and should not kill a fallen opponent—especially one who seeks protection by saying “I am yours.”
Vāyudeva states a moral standard associated with the Vṛṣṇi lineage, praising steadfastness in battle while condemning the dishonorable act of killing a fallen or surrendering person.