Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 24
Kāliya-damana: Kṛṣṇa Subdues the Serpent and Purifies the Yamunā
तत्प्रथ्यमानवपुषा व्यथितात्मभोग- स्त्यक्त्वोन्नमय्य कुपित: स्वफणान् भुजङ्ग: । तस्थौ श्वसञ्छ्वसनरन्ध्रविषाम्बरीष- स्तब्धेक्षणोल्मुकमुखो हरिमीक्षमाण: ॥ २४ ॥
tat-prathyamāna-vapuṣā vyathitātma-bhogas tyaktvonnamayya kupitaḥ sva-phaṇān bhujaṅgaḥ tasthau śvasañ chvasana-randhra-viṣāmbarīṣa- stabdhekṣaṇolmuka-mukho harim īkṣamāṇaḥ
His coils tormented by the expanding body of the Lord, Kāliya released Him. In great anger the serpent then raised his hoods high and stood still, breathing heavily. His nostrils appeared like vessels for cooking poison, and the staring eyes in his face like firebrands. Thus the serpent looked at the Lord.
FAQs
This verse describes Kāliya, pained by being trampled, rising in anger with his hoods lifted, hissing and emitting poisonous fumes while staring fixedly at Lord Hari.
Because Kṛṣṇa was overpowering him by dancing on his hoods; Kāliya’s attempt to dominate and “enjoy” through strength failed, provoking rage and a renewed posture of attack.
When ego feels “trampled” by truth or discipline, anger can flare up like poison; the verse encourages recognizing that impulse and turning toward humility and surrender rather than retaliation.