Shloka 21
Saubha-ākhyāna: Śālva’s Approach and the Fortification of Dvārakā (सौभाख्यानम्—द्वारकायाः सुरक्षाविधानम्)
तस्मिन् विनिहते वीरे गदानुन्ने महासुरे । प्रविश्य महतीं सेनां योधयामास मे सुत:,गदासे घायल हुए उस वीर महादैत्यके मारे जानेपर मेरा पुत्र साम्ब शाल्वकी विशाल सेनामें घुसकर युद्ध करने लगा
tasmin vinihate vīre gadānunne mahāsure | praviśya mahatīṃ senāṃ yodhayāmāsa me sutaḥ ||
Quando aquele grande demônio heroico—abatido pela maça—foi morto, meu filho lançou-se no vasto exército e começou a lutar. O episódio ressalta que, após a queda de um campeão formidável, a contenda não cessa; o dever e a determinação impõem que o próximo guerreiro avance para o turbilhão da batalha.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness in duty amid violence: even after a major foe falls, responsibility and resolve compel the next warrior to act. It reflects the Mahābhārata’s recurring ethic of perseverance and role-based obligation in a battlefield context.
After a mighty asura (demon-like warrior) is killed—having been struck down by a mace—the speaker (Vāyudeva) says that his son enters the large army and begins fighting, escalating the battle rather than ending it.