Shloka 1.54.18
शबलाहरणम् — The Attempted Seizure of Sabalā (Kāmadhenu) and the Triumph of Brahmic Power
तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा सुरभिस्साऽसृजत्तदा।।1.54.17।।तस्या हुम्भारवोत्सृष्टा: पप्लवाश्शतशो नृप। नाशयन्ति बलं सर्वं विश्वामित्रस्य पश्यत:।।1.54.18।।
tasya tad-vacanaṃ śrutvā surabhiḥ sā ’sṛjat tadā || 1.54.17 || tasyā humbhāravotsṛṣṭāḥ paplavāḥ śataśo nṛpa | nāśayanti balaṃ sarvaṃ viśvāmitrasya paśyataḥ || 1.54.18 ||
This is a repeated presentation of the preceding event: hearing Vasiṣṭha’s words, Surabhi (Śabalā) produced Paplavas by the hundreds from her “humbhā” bellow, and they destroyed all of Viśvāmitra’s army as he watched.
Hearing his words Kamadhenu created an army. O Rama her lowing brought into being Paplavas in hundreds who destroyed the entire army of Viswamitra, while he looked on helplessly.
As in the parallel verse, it reinforces that dharmic authority (brahma-tejas) prevails over unjust force.
A recensional duplication emphasizing the sudden manifestation of Paplavas and the collapse of Viśvāmitra’s army.
Steady alignment with righteous command—Śabalā’s power operates under Vasiṣṭha’s dharmic direction.