03.022
Pancharatra: For a moment even Krishna is overpowered by Shalva’s illusion!
Vāsudeva said.
In this way, Śālva, the tiger among men and a great enemy of kings, while fighting with me in battle, once again ascended into the sky. (3-22-1)
Then, Śālva, the dull-witted great king, desiring victory, hurled at me hundred-slaying weapons, great maces, blazing spears, clubs, and swords in his anger. (3-22-2)
I quickly repelled those who were rushing at me with swift arrows; I swiftly cut down the flying arrows in the sky into two and three pieces with my released arrows. Then, a sound arose in the sky. (3-22-3)
Then, with a hundred thousand arrows with bent joints, he completely covered Dāruka, the horses, and the chariot. (3-22-4)
Then, the hero Dāruka, appearing agitated, said to me: "You must stand." So I remain standing, afflicted by Śālva's arrow. (3-22-5)
Thus, having heard the charioteer's pitiful words, I looked and saw the charioteer wounded by arrows. (3-22-6)
O best of the Pāṇḍavas, I do not see any part of his chest, head, body, or both arms that has not been struck by arrows. (3-22-7)
But he, from the pressure of the best arrow, flows with abundant blood, just as a mountain possessing red ochre ore flows when rained upon by clouds. (3-22-8)
O mighty-armed one, seeing the charioteer, with his hand on the reins, sinking in battle and afflicted by Śālva's arrows, I supported him. (3-22-9)
Then, O Bhārata, a certain man, a resident of Dvārakā, quickly approached my chariot and spoke to me as if out of friendship. (3-22-10)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, listen to the words of Āhuka, whose very attendant, dejected and with a choked throat, spoke thus. (3-22-11)
The lord of Dvārakā, O hero, spoke to you the words of Āhuka. O Keśava, here, know what the friend of your father said to you. (3-22-12)
O delight of the Vṛṣṇis, today Śālva approached Dvārakā, and while you were away, O unconquerable one, the son of Śūra was forcibly slain. (3-22-13)
That is enough, O Janardana; withdraw from battle. Protect Dvaraka only—this is your great duty. (3-22-14)
Thus, having heard his words, I am extremely troubled in mind and cannot decide what should be done or otherwise. (3-22-15)
The hero, having heard those unpleasant words, mentally censured Sātyaki, Baladeva, and Pradyumna, the great chariot-warrior. (3-22-16)
O delight of the Kurus, I, having established protection among the people of Dvārakā and my father, departed for the destruction of Saubha. (3-22-17)
I wondered anxiously whether Baladeva, the mighty-armed destroyer of enemies, Sātyakī, Rukmiṇeya, Cārudeṣṇa, the powerful one, Sāmba and the others were still alive; thus I was very troubled in mind. (3-22-18)
O tiger among men, as long as these are alive, it is not possible for the son of a hero to be killed, even by the wielder of the thunderbolt himself. (3-22-19)
It is clear to me that the son of Śūra has been killed, and all your other offspring, headed by Baladeva, as well. This is my definite conclusion. (3-22-20)
O great king, I, thinking again and again of that total destruction, being greatly agitated, fought Śālva again. (3-22-21)
Then, O great king, I saw myself falling at that time. O hero, from Saubha, the son of Śūra, then delusion overtook me. (3-22-22)
O king, the form of my father Yayāti, whose merit was exhausted, fell from heaven down to the earth. (3-22-23)
He is seen with his turban torn and fallen, his garments and hair disheveled, falling down, just like a planet whose merit has waned. (3-22-24)
Then, O son of Kuntī, Śārṅga, the best of bows, fell from my hand; overcome by delusion and enfeebled, I sat down on the chariot seat. (3-22-25)
Then, O Bhārata, seeing me seated in the chariot as if lifeless, all my army, having lost consciousness, cried out in distress. (3-22-26)
I saw the form of my father, with arms and feet outstretched as he fell, just like a bird falling. (3-22-27)
O mighty-armed one, as he was falling, the heroes, armed with spears and pattiśas, struck him violently and shook my mind. (3-22-28)
After regaining consciousness a moment later, O hero, in that great battle I could not see Saubha, nor the enemy, nor Śālva there; nor did I see my aged father. (3-22-29)
Then, in my mind, I became certain that "this is illusion"; I became awakened, and then again I scattered arrows by the hundreds. (3-22-30)
