Pradyumna’s Abduction, Mahā-māyā, and the Slaying of Śambara
निशातमसिमुद्यम्य सकिरीटं सकुण्डलम् । शम्बरस्य शिर: कायात् ताम्रश्मश्र्वोजसाहरत् ॥ २४ ॥
niśātam asim udyamya sa-kirīṭaṁ sa-kuṇḍalam śambarasya śiraḥ kāyāt tāmra-śmaśrv ojasāharat
Menghunus pedang-Nya yang tajam, Pradyumna dengan paksa memenggal kepala Śambara, lengkap dengan misai merah, topi keledar dan anting-anting.
This verse states that Śambara was slain when his head was severed from his body by a razor-sharp sword, showing the decisive defeat of the asuric force opposing dharma.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī narrates this verse to Mahārāja Parīkṣit while describing the Pradyumna–Śambara episode.
Evil and exploitation may appear powerful, but steadfast alignment with dharma and devotion ultimately overcomes them; one should remain courageous and faithful when facing opposition.