Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 19
Dhruva’s War with the Yakṣas and the Protection of the Holy Name
भल्लै: सञ्छिद्यमानानां शिरोभिश्चारुकुण्डलै: । ऊरुभिर्हेमतालाभैर्दोर्भिर्वलयवल्गुभि: ॥ १८ ॥ हारकेयूरमुकुटैरुष्णीषैश्च महाधनै: । आस्तृतास्ता रणभुवो रेजुर्वीरमनोहरा: ॥ १९ ॥
bhallaiḥ sañchidyamānānāṁ śirobhiś cāru-kuṇḍalaiḥ ūrubhir hema-tālābhair dorbhir valaya-valgubhiḥ
大圣者弥勒耶继续说道：亲爱的毗度罗啊，被德鲁瓦大王的“婆罗”利箭斩落的首级，仍以华美耳环与头巾装点；其大腿如金色棕榈，臂上有金镯与臂钏，头戴价值连城、镶金的盔与冠。战场上遍布这些饰物，灿然夺目，足以迷惑勇士之心。
It appears that in those days soldiers used to go to the battlefield highly decorated with golden ornaments and with helmets and turbans, and when they were dead the booty was taken by the enemy party. Their falling dead in battle with their many golden ornamental dresses was certainly a lucrative opportunity for the heroes on the battlefield.
FAQs
This verse vividly describes the battlefield as covered with severed limbs and costly ornaments, emphasizing the intense kṣatriya conflict during Dhruva Mahārāja’s campaign against the Yakṣas.
The text notes that warriors, trained in heroic values, can perceive martial splendor even amid violence—highlighting the kṣatriya mindset and the grim allure of victory and valor.
The Bhagavatam’s realism warns against fascination with violence and pride; devotees can reflect on the temporary nature of worldly glory and seek steadiness, restraint, and devotion over vengeance.