Pradyumna Attacks Shalva in Battle

Pradyumna finished speaking to the Yadavas and climbed into his golden chariot. It was yoked to tawny horses, and the flagstaff bore a makara — a sea creature with its jaws gaping open, the terror of all fishes. He was Rukmini's son, and he was done with words. He dashed at the enemy on horses so swift they seemed to fly through the sky. When he strung his great bow, it roared. He held quivers and a sword, his arms and fingers clad in armour. With lightning speed, he switched the bow from one hand to another — and the daityas (demons) and all the residents of Soubha were confused. He shot an arrow, fixed another, shot again, and there was no gap between the motions. The enemies were killed continuously. His face did not change colour. His body did not tremble. All the worlds heard the sound of his valour as he roared like a lion. He rushed at Shalva, who also wished to fight. Shalva could not bear it. Mad with anger, he descended from the chariot that could go anywhere at will — the flying city of Soubha itself — and prepared to do battle on the ground. A terrible fight raged between them, watched by all the worlds, like the ancient battle between Bali and Vasava (Indra). Shalva knew the use of maya (illusion). He ascended a chariot ornamented with gold, stocked with quivers, and unleashed arrows at Pradyumna. Pradyumna bewildered Shalva with a shower of arrows. The king of Soubha could not bear it. He discharged arrows at Pradyumna that were like blazing fire. Pierced by Shalva's arrows, Rukmini's son swiftly unleashed an arrow that sought out the heart. It pierced Shalva's armour. The feathered shaft drove through his heart, and he fell down unconscious. When the brave king fell, all the lords among the danavas (demons) ran away, cleaving the earth. Lamentations arose in Shalva's army. But Shalva regained consciousness and arose. The immensely strong one suddenly unleashed an arrow at Pradyumna. Though pierced, Pradyumna remained steady — but the arrow struck him around his collarbone, and the brave one sank down on his chariot, senseless. Shalva uttered a loud roar like a lion, and it resounded through the earth. He swiftly shot many more arrows at Pradyumna, who was helpless in the field of battle.