Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 8
Kṛṣṇa Swallows the Forest Fire (Dāvāgni-līlā) and Restores the Herd
तमापतन्तं परितो दवाग्निं गोपाश्च गाव: प्रसमीक्ष्य भीता: । ऊचुश्च कृष्णं सबलं प्रपन्ना यथा हरिं मृत्युभयार्दिता जना: ॥ ८ ॥
tam āpatantaṁ parito davāgniṁ gopāś ca gāvaḥ prasamīkṣya bhītāḥ ūcuś ca kṛṣṇaṁ sa-balaṁ prapannā yathā hariṁ mṛtyu-bhayārditā janāḥ
As the cows and cowherd boys stared at the forest fire attacking them on all sides, they became fearful. The boys then approached Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma for shelter, just as those who are disturbed by fear of death approach the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The boys addressed Them as follows.
FAQs
This verse shows the Vraja residents instinctively surrendering to Kṛṣṇa (with Balarāma) when surrounded by a forest fire—illustrating that true refuge from fear, even fear of death, is Hari.
Because the forest fire was closing in from every side and they were helpless; in that crisis they approached Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma as their protectors, mirroring how mortals seek God when threatened by death.
When anxiety or danger feels overwhelming, this verse teaches to turn first to sincere dependence on the Lord—prayer, remembrance, and trust—rather than relying only on one’s limited control.