Shloka 13
Āraṇyaka-parva, Adhyāya 17 — Śālva’s encampment and the Yādava counter-engagement at Dvārakā
सतं रथवरं श्रीमान् समारुह्मु किल प्रभो । मुमोच बाणान् कौरव्य प्रद्युम्नाय महाबल:,प्रभो कुरुनन्दन! श्रीमान् महाबली शाल्वने उस श्रेष्ठ रथपर आरूढ़ हो प्रद्युम्नपर बाणोंकी वर्षा आरम्भ की
sataṁ rathavaraṁ śrīmān samāruhya kila prabho | mumoca bāṇān kauravya pradyumnāya mahābalaḥ ||
Oh señor, se dice que el ilustre y poderoso Śālva montó aquel excelente carro de guerra y entonces comenzó a soltar andanadas de flechas contra Pradyumna. La escena subraya cómo la destreza y el esplendor en batalla, cuando los impulsa la hostilidad, se vuelven instrumentos de daño y no guardianes de la rectitud (dharma).
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that external glory—fine chariots, strength, and fame—does not by itself confer righteousness; ethical weight depends on intention and the justness of one’s cause. Martial skill becomes dharmic only when aligned with restraint and rightful purpose.
Vāyudeva narrates that the powerful Śālva mounts an excellent chariot and begins a concentrated attack, releasing many arrows toward Pradyumna, signaling an escalation into direct combat.