Shloka 9
Dvārakā’s Distress and the Saubha Engagement (द्वारकाव्यग्रता तथा सौभयुद्धम्)
अभीषु हस्तं त॑ं दृष्टवा सीदन्तं सारथिं रणे | अस्तम्भयं महाबाहो शाल्वबाणप्रपीडितम्,महाबाहो! उस युद्धमें हाथमें बागडोर लिये सारथिको शाल्वके बाणोंसे पीड़ित होकर वष्ट पाते देख मैंने उसे ढाढ़स बँधाया
abhīṣu-hastaṁ taṁ dṛṣṭvā sīdantaṁ sārathiṁ raṇe | astambhayaṁ mahābāho śālva-bāṇa-prapīḍitam ||
Wika ni Vāyu: “Nang makita ko ang kutsero sa larangan—ang kamay ay nakahawak pa rin sa renda—ngunit lumulubog ang loob at dinadaganan ng mga palaso ni Śālva, pinatatag ko siya at ibinalik ang kanyang tapang, O makapangyarihang bisig. Sa gitna ng digmaan, ang pag-angat sa loob ng kasama ay isa ring gawa ng dharma; sapagkat ang karwahe at ang adhikain nito’y hindi mananatiling matatag kapag ang tagagabay ay nawalan ng puso.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid violence and fear, dharma includes sustaining the morale and steadiness of those who bear responsibility. Encouraging a faltering ally—especially one essential to right action—can be a decisive ethical act.
Vāyu describes witnessing a charioteer in battle who, though still holding the reins, is overwhelmed and afflicted by Śālva’s arrows. Vāyu intervenes to steady and encourage him so the chariot’s mission can continue.