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 ||
Wika ni Vāyu: “O tagapagmaneho ng karwahe, yamang ako’y umurong mula sa larangan ng digmaan, ano ang sasabihin sa akin ng apo ni Śini—si Sātyaki, leon sa mga tao at dakilang mamamana—at ano rin ang sasabihin ni Sāmba, mananagumpay sa mga sagupaan?”
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Vāyu addresses a charioteer who has withdrawn from combat, expressing concern about how renowned fighters—Sātyaki and Sāmba—will respond to or judge this retreat.