Adhyāya 22: Śālva’s Weapon-Shower, Dāruka’s Wounding, and the Māyā-Report of Vasudeva’s Father
अथ दानवसडूघास्ते विकृताननमूर्धजा: । उदक्रोशन् महाराज विछिते मयि भारत,भरतवंशी महराज! तदनन्तर जब मैं निर्भय और अचलभावसे स्थित हुआ तथा उनपर शस्त्रप्रहार करने लगा, तब विकृत मुख और केशवाले सौभनिवासी दानवगण जोर-जोरसे चिल्लाने लगे
atha dānavasaṃghās te vikṛtānanamūrdhajāḥ | udakrośan mahārāja vicchite mayi bhārata ||
Khi ấy, bọn Dānavas thành Saubha—mặt mũi dị dạng, tóc tai rối bời—đồng loạt gào thét inh ỏi, hỡi đại vương, hỡi hậu duệ Bharata, lúc ta đứng vững không lay chuyển và giáng vũ khí xuống chúng.
वायुदेव उवाच
The verse highlights the ethical power of fearlessness and steadiness: when one stands firm and acts decisively against wrongdoing, the aggressor’s bravado collapses into panic. Inner composure (acalatā) supports righteous action.
Vāyudeva describes a moment of combat: as he remains undisturbed and strikes the Dānavas, they begin shouting loudly—an audible sign that his firm resistance is overwhelming them.