Jarāsandha’s Siege of Mathurā, Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma’s Victory, and the Founding of Dvārakā amid Kālayavana’s Threat
एवं सम्मन्त्र्य दाशार्हौ दंशितौ रथिनौ पुरात् । निर्जग्मतु: स्वायुधाढ्यौ बलेनाल्पीयसा वृतौ ॥ १५ ॥
evaṁ sammantrya dāśārhau daṁśitau rathinau purāt nirjagmatuḥ svāyudhāḍhyau balenālpīyasā vṛtau
After Lord Kṛṣṇa had thus invited His brother, the two Dāśārhas, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, wearing armor and displaying Their resplendent weapons, drove out of the city in Their chariots. Only a very small contingent of soldiers accompanied Them.
This verse shows Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma acting with deliberation—consulting first, then departing well-armed yet with a small force—highlighting divine strategy rather than reliance on massive armies.
In the narrative of Chapter 50, events are arranged so Kṛṣṇa’s plan can unfold (leading toward the episode of Mucukunda and the handling of powerful enemies); the small force underscores purposeful, controlled action.
Make decisions thoughtfully (seek counsel, reflect), then act decisively with proper preparation—without depending solely on external strength or numbers.