Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 27
The Killing of Ariṣṭāsura and Kaṁsa’s Plot to Summon Kṛṣṇa
इत्याज्ञाप्यार्थतन्त्रज्ञ आहूय यदुपुङ्गवम् । गृहीत्वा पाणिना पाणिं ततोऽक्रूरमुवाच ह ॥ २७ ॥
ity ājñāpyārtha-tantra-jña āhūya yadu-puṅgavam gṛhītvā pāṇinā pāṇiṁ tato ’krūram uvāca ha
Having thus commanded his ministers, Kaṁsa next called for Akrūra, the most eminent of the Yadus. Kaṁsa knew the art of securing personal advantage, and thus he took Akrūra’s hand in his own and spoke to him as follows.
FAQs
This verse describes Kaṁsa as artha-tantra-jña—expert in statecraft—showing how he carefully plans and executes orders to further his aims.
Kaṁsa outwardly shows warmth and trust—holding Akrūra’s hand—while preparing to assign him a significant mission in the unfolding narrative.
It highlights how outward gestures can accompany serious responsibilities; a devotee learns discernment—judging situations by purpose and character, not merely appearances.