Shloka 23
Śālva–Pradyumna Yuddha: Sārathya-kauśala, Astra-pratikāra, Daiva-niyati
Chapter 20
ते हयांश्व॒ रथं चैव तदा दारुकमेव च | छादयामासुरसुरास्तैर्बाणैर्मर्म भेदिभि:,उस समय उन असुरोंने अपने मर्मवेधी बाणोंद्वारा मेरे घोड़ोंको, रथको और दारुकको भी ढक दिया
te hayāṁś ca rathaṁ caiva tadā dārukam eva ca | chādayāmāsur asurās tair bāṇair marma-bhedibhiḥ ||
Then those Asuras, with arrows that pierced the vital spots (marmas), rained them down so thickly that my horses, my chariot, and even Dāruka were wholly covered.
वासुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh reality of combat where opponents may strike at vital points; ethically, it frames a test of steadiness and disciplined response under extreme provocation, a key aspect of kṣatriya conduct and self-mastery.
Vāsudeva narrates that the Asuras unleash a dense volley of marma-piercing arrows, covering his horses, his chariot, and his charioteer Dāruka—depicting an intense moment of battlefield pressure.