03.020
Pancharatra: Defeated by Pradyumna, Shalva retreats with his aeroplane.
Vāsudeva said.
When thus addressed, O son of Kunti, the son of the charioteer then spoke gentle and sweet words directly to Pradyumna in the battle. (3-20-1)
O son of Rukmiṇī, I have no fear in battle while restraining the horses. I am also skilled in warfare among the Vṛṣṇis. There is nothing otherwise here. (3-20-2)
O long-lived one, it is remembered that instruction should be followed in charioteering. In all matters, the charioteer should be protected, even if you are greatly afflicted. (3-20-3)
O hero, you were struck severely by the arrow launched by Śālva and afflicted by faintness; then I departed. (3-20-4)
You, having regained consciousness by chance along with the chief of the Sātvatas and others, observe my instruction in chariot-driving, O son of Keśava. (3-20-5)
I was born by Dāruka and properly trained; now, free from fear, I enter this great army of Śālva. (3-20-6)
Having spoken thus, then the hero urged on the horses in battle, took up the reins, and swiftly rushed forward at that time. (3-20-7)
There were circles of various kinds, other pairs, left-sided and right-sided forms, all entirely variegated. (3-20-8)
O king, those excellent horses, struck by the whip and raised by the reins, seemed to leap into the sky. (3-20-9)
O king, they recognized Dāruka, who was endowed with swiftness of hand, and then, as if being burned, they touched the earth with their feet. (3-20-10)
O bull among the Bharatas, he moved to the left of Śālva's army and, without much effort, did that which seemed marvelous. (3-20-11)
Unable to tolerate the improper act by Pradyumna, the king of the Saubhas suddenly struck down his charioteer with three arrows. (3-20-12)
O mighty-armed one, the son of Dāruka, not considering the speed of the arrows, once again went forth, being approved by the horses. (3-20-13)
Then the king of Saubha again released many kinds of arrows at my heroic son, Rukmini's son. (3-20-14)
The son of Rukmiṇī, destroyer of enemy heroes, cut down those who had arrived with sharp arrows, smiling and displaying his dexterity of hand. (3-20-15)
But when he saw those arrows cut down by Pradyumna, the king of Saubha, employing a dreadful demonic illusion, released more arrows. (3-20-16)
Having perceived that the Daitya's weapon was being applied, the mighty one, using the Brahma-weapon, cut it off in between and released the other birds. (3-20-17)
They, the blood-eaters, quickly shook off that weapon and pierced him on the head, chest, and face; he became unconscious and fell. (3-20-18)
When that mean Śālva had fallen, afflicted by arrows, the son of Rukmiṇī fitted another arrow, a destroyer of enemies. (3-20-19)
When he, worshipped by all assemblies of worthy donors with heaps (of offerings), shone like the sun and fire, and when the arrow and bowstring were seen being drawn, the sky resounded with cries of 'hāhā'. (3-20-20)
Then all the hosts of gods, along with Indra and the lords of wealth, sent Nārada and the mighty Wind. (3-20-21)
Those two, approaching Rukmini's son, spoke words from the gods: "O hero, this king of Shalva must not be slain by you in any way." (3-20-22)
Withdraw your arrow again; this one is not to be killed by you in battle. Indeed, there is no man anywhere in battle who can be killed by this arrow. (3-20-23)
O mighty-armed son of Devakī, Kṛṣṇa's death in battle has been determined by the Creator; that will not prove false. (3-20-24)
Then, Pradyumna, filled with great joy, took the excellent arrow from his best bow and placed it back into the quiver. (3-20-25)
Then, O king, Śālva, greatly distressed, rose up and quickly departed with his army, being afflicted by Pradyumna's arrows. (3-20-26)
He, the cruel one, afflicted by the Vrishnis, abandoned Dvaraka, mounted the Saubha (aerial city), and then ascended to heaven, O king. (3-20-27)
