Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 19
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
O grande sábio Maitreya continuou: Meu caro Vidura, as cabeças decepadas pelas flechas bhalla de Dhruva Mahārāja estavam belamente adornadas com brincos e turbantes. Suas coxas pareciam palmeiras de ouro, seus braços reluziam com pulseiras e braçadeiras, e sobre as cabeças havia elmos e coroas de grande valor incrustados de ouro. O campo de batalha, coberto por tais ornamentos, resplandecia e podia enfeitiçar até a mente de um herói.
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 vividly describes the battlefield as covered with severed limbs and costly ornaments, emphasizing the intense kṣatriya conflict during Dhruva Mahārāja’s campaign against the Yakṣas.
The text notes that warriors, trained in heroic values, can perceive martial splendor even amid violence—highlighting the kṣatriya mindset and the grim allure of victory and valor.
The Bhagavatam’s realism warns against fascination with violence and pride; devotees can reflect on the temporary nature of worldly glory and seek steadiness, restraint, and devotion over vengeance.