Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 20
The Vraja Elders Question Kṛṣṇa’s Identity; Nanda Recounts Garga’s Prophecy
पुरानेन व्रजपते साधवो दस्युपीडिता: । अराजके रक्ष्यमाणा जिग्युर्दस्यून्समेधिता: ॥ २० ॥
purānena vraja-pate sādhavo dasyu-pīḍitāḥ arājake rakṣyamāṇā jigyur dasyūn samedhitāḥ
O Nanda Mahārāja, as recorded in history, when there was an irregular, incapable government, Indra having been dethroned, and when honest people were being harassed and disturbed by thieves, this child appeared in order to curb the rogues and to protect the people and enable them to flourish.
FAQs
This verse states that even without a ruler, saintly people can protect themselves through unity, resolve, and practical strength, ultimately overcoming aggressors.
He speaks to Nanda Mahārāja as the leader of Vraja, highlighting Nanda’s responsibility to safeguard the community and reassuring him with an ancient precedent.
Cultivate community support, preparedness, and principled courage—so that even when external systems fail, one can uphold dharma and resist harmful influences.