Shloka 9
Dvārakā’s Distress and the Saubha Engagement (द्वारकाव्यग्रता तथा सौभयुद्धम्)
अभीषु हस्तं त॑ं दृष्टवा सीदन्तं सारथिं रणे | अस्तम्भयं महाबाहो शाल्वबाणप्रपीडितम्,महाबाहो! उस युद्धमें हाथमें बागडोर लिये सारथिको शाल्वके बाणोंसे पीड़ित होकर वष्ट पाते देख मैंने उसे ढाढ़स बँधाया
abhīṣu-hastaṁ taṁ dṛṣṭvā sīdantaṁ sārathiṁ raṇe | astambhayaṁ mahābāho śālva-bāṇa-prapīḍitam ||
Vāyu said: Seeing that charioteer on the battlefield—his hand still holding the reins—sinking in spirit and crushed by Śālva’s arrows, I steadied him and restored his courage, O mighty-armed one. In the midst of war, the duty to uphold a comrade’s resolve becomes itself an act of dharma, for the chariot and its cause cannot stand when the guide loses heart.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid violence and fear, dharma includes sustaining the morale and steadiness of those who bear responsibility. Encouraging a faltering ally—especially one essential to right action—can be a decisive ethical act.
Vāyu describes witnessing a charioteer in battle who, though still holding the reins, is overwhelmed and afflicted by Śālva’s arrows. Vāyu intervenes to steady and encourage him so the chariot’s mission can continue.