Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 18
Dhruva’s War with the Yakṣas and the Protection of the Holy Name
भल्लै: सञ्छिद्यमानानां शिरोभिश्चारुकुण्डलै: । ऊरुभिर्हेमतालाभैर्दोर्भिर्वलयवल्गुभि: ॥ १८ ॥ हारकेयूरमुकुटैरुष्णीषैश्च महाधनै: । आस्तृतास्ता रणभुवो रेजुर्वीरमनोहरा: ॥ १९ ॥
bhallaiḥ sañchidyamānānāṁ śirobhiś cāru-kuṇḍalaiḥ ūrubhir hema-tālābhair dorbhir valaya-valgubhiḥ
Sang Ṛṣi Maitreya meneruskan: Wahai Vidura, kepala-kepala yang terpenggal oleh panah bhalla Dhruva Mahārāja tetap indah dengan subang dan serban. Paha mereka bagaikan pohon palma emas, lengan dihiasi gelang dan kelat emas, dan di kepala ada mahkota serta topi besi bernilai tinggi bertatah emas. Medan perang yang dipenuhi perhiasan itu begitu memikat hingga dapat mengelirukan hati seorang pahlawan.
It appears that in those days soldiers used to go to the battlefield highly decorated with golden ornaments and with helmets and turbans, and when they were dead the booty was taken by the enemy party. Their falling dead in battle with their many golden ornamental dresses was certainly a lucrative opportunity for the heroes on the battlefield.
FAQs
This verse depicts the fierce intensity of the battle—arrows severing heads, arms, and thighs—showing how violent the conflict became under Dhruva’s wrath.
To emphasize the vivid, realistic scene: even richly adorned warriors fell in combat, highlighting the terrible cost and gravity of unchecked anger in war.
The verse warns that when anger escalates into retaliation, the outcome becomes destructive; cultivate restraint and seek wise counsel before acting in rage.