Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 5
Garuḍa, Saubhari’s Curse, Kāliya’s Refuge, and Kṛṣṇa Saves Vraja from Forest Fire
तच्छ्रुत्वा कुपितो राजन् भगवान् भगवत्प्रिय: । विजिघांसुर्महावेग: कालियं समुपाद्रवत् ॥ ५ ॥
tac chrutvā kupito rājan bhagavān bhagavat-priyaḥ vijighāṁsur mahā-vegaḥ kāliyaṁ samapādravat
O King, the greatly powerful Garuḍa, who is very dear to the Supreme Lord, became angry when he heard of this. Desiring to kill Kāliya, he rushed toward the serpent with tremendous speed.
Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī explains that the word mahā-vega indicates that the great speed of Garuḍa cannot be checked by anyone.
FAQs
This verse highlights that the Lord is “bhagavat-priya,” especially dear to His devotees, and He swiftly confronts threats like Kāliya when His devotees are endangered.
After hearing about the danger and wrongdoing connected with Kāliya, Krishna became angry and, moving with great speed, advanced to punish the serpent and restore safety and dharma.
It encourages steadiness in bhakti: when one sincerely takes shelter of God, one gains inner courage and trust that divine protection and justice operate, even amid fear or toxicity.