Śālva’s Hatred for Kṛṣṇa
Among the many kings who were allies of Śiśupāla, one was the powerful and vengeful monarch named Śālva. When Śiśupāla was slain by Lord Kṛṣṇa during the Rājasūya sacrifice of King Yudhiṣṭhira, Śālva became furious and vowed:
“I shall avenge my friend’s death. I will destroy Kṛṣṇa and Dvārakā!”
To fulfill this vow, Śālva performed severe austerities, gaining the favor of Lord Śiva. As a boon, Śiva granted him a most terrifying and mystical weapon—a flying city named Soubha (or Śālva’s airship), constructed by the demon Maya.
The aerial city could fly anywhere at will, become invisible, create illusions, and attack like a thunderbolt.
Attack on Dvārakā
One day, as Kṛṣṇa was away at Indraprastha, Śālva launched a surprise attack on Dvārakā. The city was shaken by the sudden assault from the skies.
From Soubha, Śālva rained down weapons, fire, and iron bolts upon Dvārakā. The Yādava warriors, led by Balarāma, Pradyumna, Sāmba, and others, defended the city bravely.
Śālva’s magical airship moved in all directions, sometimes visible, sometimes vanishing, causing chaos.
When Kṛṣṇa returned to Dvārakā, He saw the devastation caused by Śālva and immediately took up arms to protect His city.
The War Between Kṛṣṇa and Śālva
A terrible battle ensued between Lord Kṛṣṇa and Śālva. The Lord, riding His chariot, challenged the demon king, who hurled javelins, tridents, and magical weapons from his flying city.
Śālva then created a terrible illusion—he conjured an image of Kṛṣṇa’s father Vasudeva, showing him being slain before Kṛṣṇa’s eyes.
For a moment, even Kṛṣṇa appeared distressed. But then, realizing the illusion, He smashed it with the fire of His knowledge.
Enraged, Kṛṣṇa broke Śālva’s illusory machines, pierced his chest with arrows, and finally hurled His club with divine force. The club shattered Śālva’s chest and sent his flying city crashing down.
“Your arrogance ends here, O fool,” said Kṛṣṇa as Śālva breathed his last.
The End of the Flying Terror
With Śālva’s death, the sky cleared, and the Yādavas rejoiced. The flying city Soubha, once a symbol of demonic pride, lay broken and scattered like straw.
Lord Kṛṣṇa entered Dvārakā to a rousing welcome. The citizens offered flowers and prayers, knowing once again their protector had returned victorious.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- No matter how powerful a demon becomes—Kṛṣṇa always protects His devotees.
- Illusions and magic cannot bewilder the Lord for long; truth always prevails.
- Śālva’s aerial city represents pride and power without devotion, which eventually falls by its own arrogance.
- The Lord may seem momentarily disturbed for the sake of lila, but His transcendental wisdom always shines through.
- Kṛṣṇa’s return always brings restoration, peace, and protection to His people.
Origin of the Story: Harivaṁśa Purāṇa – Viṣṇu-parva, Chapters 104–107
