Shloka 1.54.21
शबलाहरणम् — The Attempted Seizure of Sabalā (Kāmadhenu) and the Triumph of Brahmic Power
तैरासीत् संवृता भूमि श्शकैर्यवनमिश्रितै:।प्रभावद्भिर्महावीर्यैर्हेमकिञ्जल्कसन्निभै:।।।।
tair āsīt saṅvṛtā bhūmiḥ śakair yavanamiśritaiḥ | prabhāvadbhir mahāvīryair hemakiñjalkasannibhaiḥ ||
The earth was covered by those Śakas, mingled with the Yavanas—radiant, of mighty prowess, gleaming like golden filaments.
Sakas mixed with Yavanas, resembling golden filaments possessing brilliance and supreme bravery, covered the earth.
Power and brilliance are ethically neutral; Dharma evaluates how power is used. The verse sets up the moral contrast between forceful seizure and righteous restraint.
The conflict escalates as formidable groups (Śakas mixed with Yavanas) appear in overwhelming numbers, covering the battlefield/earth.
Implicitly, the need for disciplined power (self-restraint) is foregrounded, preparing for the narrative judgment on coercion versus rightful conduct.