Shloka 14
Book 3, Āraṇyaka-parva — Adhyāya 19: Pradyumna’s Reproach of Withdrawal and the Ethics of Kṣātra Reputation
ततो बाणान् बहुविधान् पुनरेव स सौभराट् । मुमोच तनये वीर मम रुक्मिणिनन्दने,महाबाहो! परंतु दारुककुमारने वहाँ बाणोंके वेगपूर्वक प्रहारकी कोई चिन्ता न करते हुए शाल्वकी सेनाको अपसव्य (दाहिने) करते हुए ही रथको आगे बढ़ाया। वीरवर! तब सौभराज शाल्वने पुनः मेरे पुत्र रुक्मिणीनन्दन प्रद्युम्मपर अनेक प्रकारके बाण चलाये। शत्रुवीरोंका संहार करनेवाले रुक्मिणीनन्दन प्रद्युम्म अपने हाथोंकी फुर्ती दिखाते हुए शाल्वके बाणोंको अपने पास आनेसे पहले ही तीक्ष्ण बाणोंसे मुसकराकर काट देते थे। प्रद्युम्नके द्वारा अपने बाणोंको छिन्न-भिन्न होते देख सौभराजने भयंकर आसुरी मायाका सहारा लेकर बहुत-से बाण बरसाये
tato bāṇān bahuvidhān punar eva sa saubharāṭ | mumoca tanaye vīra mama rukmiṇīnandane mahābāho ||
Then Śālva, lord of Saubha, once again loosed many kinds of arrows at my son—mighty-armed Pradyumna, the delight of Rukmiṇī. Yet Pradyumna, unshaken by the force of the assault, drove his chariot onward while turning the enemy host aside, and with swift hands cut down the incoming shafts before they could reach him—showing the steadiness and skill expected of a righteous warrior amid the fury of battle.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma in action: steadiness under attack, disciplined courage, and skill used without panic. Ethical strength is shown as composure and right conduct amid violence, not mere aggression.
Śālva, the ruler associated with Saubha, again shoots a variety of arrows at Pradyumna (Rukmiṇī’s son). Pradyumna advances while deflecting the assault, cutting down the arrows before they strike, demonstrating superior control and battlefield mastery.