Shloka 13
Dhruva’s War with the Yakṣas and the Protection of the Holy Name
औत्तानपादि: स तदा शस्त्रवर्षेण भूरिणा । न एवादृश्यताच्छन्न आसारेण यथा गिरि: ॥ १३ ॥
auttānapādiḥ sa tadā śastra-varṣeṇa bhūriṇā na evādṛśyatācchanna āsāreṇa yathā giriḥ
تب اوتّانپادی دھرو مہاراج پر ہتھیاروں کی گھنی بارش ہوئی؛ وہ اس میں ایسے ڈھک گئے کہ نظر نہ آئے، جیسے موسلا دھار بارش میں پہاڑ چھپ جاتا ہے۔
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura points out in this connection that although Dhruva Mahārāja was covered by the incessant arrows of the enemy, this does not mean that he succumbed in the battle. The example of a mountain peak’s being covered by incessant rain is just suitable, for when a mountain is covered by incessant rain, all dirty things are washed from the body of the mountain. Similarly, the incessant shower of arrows from the enemy gave Dhruva Mahārāja new vigor to defeat them. In other words, whatever incompetency he might have had was washed away.
FAQs
This verse shows Dhruva being completely covered by a “rain of weapons,” illustrating how intense trials can seem to blot out one’s strength—yet the devotee-hero remains present and protected within the narrative, like a mountain hidden by rain but not destroyed.
In the battle against the Yakṣas, Dhruva is met with fierce counterattacks; the Yakṣas unleash a massive barrage to overpower him, and Śukadeva describes the scene to convey the severity of the conflict.
When problems “rain down” and you feel unseen or covered, remain steady in duty and devotion—like the mountain in the metaphor—knowing that difficult phases can obscure you temporarily without defining your true position.