Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 10
Balarāma Humbles the Kurus and Rescues Sāmba
विस्फूर्ज्य रुचिरं चापं सर्वान् विव्याध सायकै: । कर्णादीन् षड्रथान् वीरस्तावद्भिर्युगपत् पृथक् ॥ ९ ॥ चतुर्भिश्चतुरो वाहानेकैकेन च सारथीन् । रथिनश्च महेष्वासांस्तस्य तत्तेऽभ्यपूजयन् ॥ १० ॥
visphūrjya ruciraṁ cāpaṁ sarvān vivyādha sāyakaiḥ karṇādīn ṣaḍ rathān vīras tāvadbhir yugapat pṛthak
Sa pag-ugong ng kanyang marikit na busog, tinamaan ng bayaning si Sāmba ng mga palaso ang anim na mandirigmang pinamumunuan ni Karṇa. Sabay-sabay niyang binutas ang anim na karwahe sa anim na palaso, ang apat na kabayo ng bawat karwahe sa apat na palaso, ang bawat kutsero sa tig-iisang palaso, at gayundin ang mga dakilang mamamana na namumuno sa mga karwahe; pinuri ng mga kaaway ang kanyang kagitingan.
Śrīla Prabhupāda comments: “While Sāmba was so diligently fighting alone with the six great warriors, they all appreciated the inconceivable potency of the boy. Even in the midst of fighting, they admitted frankly that this boy Sāmba was wonderful.”
FAQs
It narrates how mighty chariot-warriors attacked Dvārakā and how a heroic defender displayed extraordinary archery, striking Karṇa and other fighters with swift, precise arrows.
Karṇa is cited as one of the prominent allied warriors in the assault, highlighting the seriousness of the attack and the exceptional prowess of the defender who checked them.
It teaches focused skill and steady courage—when challenges come from many sides, respond with disciplined competence rather than panic.