Shloka 32
Śālva Attacks Dvārakā; Pradyumna Leads the Defense
Saubha-vimāna and Māyā-yuddha
सारथिरुवाच धर्मं विजानतायुष्मन् कृतमेतन्मया विभो । सूत: कृच्छ्रगतं रक्षेद् रथिनं सारथिं रथी ॥ ३२ ॥
sārathir uvāca dharmaṁ vijānatāyuṣman kṛtam etan mayā vibho sūtaḥ kṛcchra-gataṁ rakṣed rathinaṁ sārathiṁ rathī
സാരഥി പറഞ്ഞു—ഹേ ദീർഘായുസ്സുള്ളവനേ! ധർമ്മം അറിഞ്ഞുകൊണ്ടുതന്നെ ഞാൻ ഇതു ചെയ്തു, പ്രഭോ. അപകടത്തിൽപ്പെട്ട രഥിയെ സാരഥി രക്ഷിക്കണം; അതുപോലെ രഥിയും തന്റെ സാരഥിയെ രക്ഷിക്കണം.
FAQs
This verse teaches reciprocal duty: in danger the charioteer should protect the warrior, and the warrior should also protect the charioteer—dharma is mutual responsibility, not one-sided service.
He justifies his conduct as duty-based, emphasizing that proper action in crisis is guided by established roles and mutual protection rather than fear or selfishness.
It encourages reciprocal care in relationships—leaders protect and value supporters, and supporters act responsibly for the leader’s welfare—especially during difficult times.