Pradyumna’s Abduction, Mahā-māyā, and the Slaying of Śambara
गदामाविध्य तरसा प्रद्युम्नाय महात्मने । प्रक्षिप्य व्यनदन्नादं वज्रनिष्पेषनिष्ठुरम् ॥ १९ ॥
gadām āvidhya tarasā pradyumnāya mahātmane prakṣipya vyanadan nādaṁ vajra-niṣpeṣa-niṣṭhuram
శంబరుడు వేగంగా గదాను తిప్పి మహాత్ముడైన ప్రద్యుమ్నునిపై విసిరాడు; అది వజ్రఘాతంలా కఠినమైన ధ్వనిని మోగించింది।
This verse describes the enemy forcefully whirling and hurling a mace at the great-souled Pradyumna, roaring fiercely—setting the scene for Pradyumna’s heroic victory.
In the combat narrative, Pradyumna is challenged by his opponent, who attacks by casting a mace and roaring to intimidate him—typical of the escalating duel described by Śukadeva.
Even when faced with aggressive threats, remain steady in purpose and dharma; intimidation is often part of conflict, but inner composure and right action lead to victory.