Shloka 25
Dvārakā’s Distress and the Saubha Engagement (द्वारकाव्यग्रता तथा सौभयुद्धम्)
ततः शार्ज्र धनुःश्रेष्ठ करात् प्रपतितं मम । मोहापन्नश्न कौन्तेय रथोपस्थ उपाविशम्,कुन्तीनन्दन! उनकी यह अवस्था देख धनुषोंमें श्रेष्ठ शार्ड मेरे हाथसे छूटकर गिर गया और मैं शाल्वकी मायासे मोहित-सा होकर रथके पिछले भागमें चुपचाप बैठ गया
tataḥ śārṅgaṃ dhanuḥśreṣṭhaṃ karāt prapatitaṃ mama | mohāpannaś ca kaunteya rathopasthe upāviśam ||
Then the Śārṅga—my finest bow—slipped and fell from my hand. O son of Kuntī, overcome by delusion through Śalva’s illusory power, I sat down silently on the rear part of the chariot, as if stunned.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how māyā (deceptive illusion) can overwhelm even powerful beings, causing loss of composure and capability. Ethically, it underscores the need for vigilance, steadiness of mind, and discernment when confronted with deception and psychological warfare.
Vāyudeva describes a moment of sudden disorientation: his famed bow Śārṅga slips from his hand, and, deluded by Śalva’s illusory power, he sits down at the back of the chariot, temporarily incapacitated and silent.