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 ||
O lord, the illustrious and mighty Śālva is said to have mounted that excellent chariot and then began releasing volleys of arrows at Pradyumna. The scene underscores how prowess and splendor in battle, when driven by hostility, become instruments of harm rather than guardians of righteousness.
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.