Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 7
Kāliya-damana: Kṛṣṇa Subdues the Serpent and Purifies the Yamunā
सर्पह्रद: पुरुषसारनिपातवेग- सङ्क्षोभितोरगविषोच्छ्वसिताम्बुराशि: । पर्यक्प्लुतो विषकषायबिभीषणोर्मि- र्धावन् धनु:शतमनन्तबलस्य किं तत् ॥ ७ ॥
sarpa-hradaḥ puruṣa-sāra-nipāta-vega- saṅkṣobhitoraga-viṣocchvasitāmbu-rāśiḥ paryak pluto viṣa-kaṣāya-bibhīṣaṇormir dhāvan dhanuḥ-śatam ananta-balasya kiṁ tat
When the Supreme Personality of Godhead landed in the serpent’s lake, the snakes there became extremely agitated and began breathing heavily, further polluting it with volumes of poison. The force of the Lord’s entrance into the lake caused it to overflow on all sides, and poisonous, fearsome waves flooded the surrounding lands up to a distance of one hundred bow-lengths. This is not at all amazing, however, for the Supreme Lord possesses infinite strength.
FAQs
This verse describes the serpent lake erupting with poison-colored, terrifying waves, yet declares such danger insignificant before the Lord’s infinite strength—showing Kṛṣṇa’s complete mastery over deadly forces.
Because the waters were saturated by the snakes’ poisonous breath; when Kṛṣṇa entered, the lake churned and overflowed with venom-hued waves, emphasizing the peril He neutralizes in His līlā.
When overwhelmed by ‘poisonous’ situations—fear, toxic influence, or crisis—remembering the Lord’s ananta-bala inspires faith and steadiness: dangers may surge, but they are not ultimate for one who takes shelter of Kṛṣṇa.