Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 27
The Slaying of Śālva and the Destruction of Saubha
एवं निर्भर्त्स्य मायावी खड्गेनानकदुन्दुभे: । उत्कृत्य शिर आदाय खस्थं सौभं समाविशत् ॥ २७ ॥
evaṁ nirbhartsya māyāvī khaḍgenānakadundubheḥ utkṛtya śira ādāya kha-sthaṁ saubhaṁ samāviśat
Matapos niyang kutyain ang Panginoon sa ganitong paraan, ang salamingerong si Śālva ay tila pinutol ang ulo ni Vasudeva gamit ang kanyang espada. Dala ang ulo, pumasok siya sa sasakyang Saubha, na lumilipad sa himpapawid.
FAQs
This verse shows how the māyāvī Śālva uses deceptive illusion—apparently killing Vasudeva—illustrating that demoniac power often relies on maya rather than truth, and that Krishna later exposes and defeats such illusion.
Śālva’s act is part of his psychological warfare against Krishna—using a shocking illusion to disturb Krishna’s mind and weaken his resolve in battle.
The verse highlights that appearances can be manipulated by illusion; a devotee should pause, seek clarity, and remain steady in dharma and devotion rather than reacting impulsively to fear-based perceptions.