Shloka 4
Book 3, Āraṇyaka-parva — Adhyāya 19: Pradyumna’s Reproach of Withdrawal and the Ethics of Kṣātra Reputation
त्वं हि शाल्वप्रयुक्तेन शरेणाभिहतो भृशम् | कश्मलाभिहतो वीर ततो5हमपयातवान्,“वीर! शाल्वके चलाये हुए बाणोंसे अधिक घायल होनेके कारण आपको मूर्च्छा आ गयी थी, इसीलिये मैं आपको लेकर रणभूमिसे हटा था
tvaṃ hi śālvaprayuktena śareṇābhihato bhṛśam | kaśmalābhihato vīra tato ’ham apayātavān |
“Kerana engkau telah terkena panah yang dilepaskan oleh Śālva dengan parah. Wahai pahlawan, diliputi pengsan dan kekalutan, engkau hilang sedar; maka aku pun berundur dari medan perang sambil membawa engkau.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a hero can be overwhelmed in battle; timely protection and withdrawal can be a rightful act of care rather than cowardice, especially when done to preserve life and restore strength for future duty.
Vāyudeva explains that the hero was badly wounded by an arrow shot by Śālva and, afflicted by faintness, lost consciousness; therefore Vāyudeva removed him from the battlefield.