Shloka 19
Pradyumna–Śālva Missile-Exchange at Saubha (Āraṇyaka Parva, Adhyāya 18)
कि वक्ष्यति शिनेर्नप्ता नरसिंहो महाधनु: । अपयातं रणात् सूत साम्बश्न समितिंजय:,'सूत! युद्धसे भागनेपर मनुष्योंमें सिंहके समान पराक्रमी महाधनुर्धर सात्यकि तथा समरविजयी साम्ब मुझसे क्या कहेंगे?
ki vakṣyati śiner naptā narasiṁho mahādhanuḥ | apayātaṁ raṇāt sūta sāmbaś ca samitiṁjayaḥ ||
Disse Vāyu: “Ó cocheiro, tendo eu recuado do campo de batalha, que me dirão o neto de Śini—Sātyaki, leão entre os homens e grande arqueiro—e Sāmba, vencedor dos confrontos hostis?”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of reputation and accountability in warfare: retreating from battle invites scrutiny from valorous peers, reminding a warrior (and his aide) that duty and courage are judged by the community of the brave.
Vāyu addresses a charioteer who has withdrawn from combat, expressing concern about how renowned fighters—Sātyaki and Sāmba—will respond to or judge this retreat.