Pradyumna’s Abduction, Mahā-māyā, and the Slaying of Śambara
तमिमं जहि दुर्धर्षं दुर्जयं शत्रुमात्मन: । मायाशतविदं तं च मायाभिर्मोहनादिभि: ॥ १४ ॥
tam imaṁ jahi durdharṣaṁ durjayaṁ śatrum ātmanaḥ māyā-śata-vidaṁ taṁ ca māyābhir mohanādibhiḥ
Sekarang bunuhlah Śambara yang dahsyat ini, musuhmu yang sukar ditundukkan. Walau dia mengetahui ratusan ilmu māyā, engkau akan menewaskannya dengan māyā yang mengelirukan dan cara-cara lain.
This verse depicts a worldly, aggressive use of māyā—bewildering and similar tactics—showing how illusion can be weaponized in conflict, in contrast to the Bhagavatam’s higher ideal of surrender to the Lord beyond māyā.
In the narrative surrounding Pradyumna’s story and the ensuing hostilities, Rukmi incites his side to overpower a feared opponent, urging the use of deceptive stratagems to win what he considers an urgent fight.
The verse highlights how “bewilderment” can be used manipulatively; a devotee can apply this by recognizing propaganda, emotional manipulation, and ego-driven tactics, and choosing clarity, truthfulness, and devotion instead.