Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 4
The Killing of Cāṇūra, Muṣṭika, and Kaṁsa; Liberation and Restoration of Dharma in Mathurā
परिभ्रामणविक्षेपपरिरम्भावपातनै: । उत्सर्पणापसर्पणैश्चान्योन्यं प्रत्यरुन्धताम् ॥ ४ ॥
paribhrāmaṇa-vikṣepa- parirambhāvapātanaiḥ utsarpaṇāpasarpaṇaiś cānyonyaṁ pratyarundhatām
Each fighter contended with his opponent by dragging him about in circles, shoving and crushing him, throwing him down and running before and behind him.
Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī explains that the word parirambha indicates crushing one’s opponent with one’s arms.
FAQs
This verse portrays the intense, skillful exchanges—whirling, clinching, throwing, advancing and retreating—by which Kṛṣṇa and His opponent tried to restrain and overpower each other in the arena.
He is narrating to King Parīkṣit the dramatic unfolding of Kṛṣṇa’s Mathurā līlā, showing how Kṛṣṇa met the wrestlers’ challenge in a fully human-like contest while remaining the Supreme Lord.
Even in conflict or competition, steadiness, strategy, and self-control—knowing when to advance, hold, or withdraw—help one act effectively without losing inner composure.