Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 9
Mucukunda’s Departure; Jarāsandha’s Pursuit; Prelude to Rukmiṇī’s Abduction
Rukmiṇī’s Message Begins
पलायमानौ तौ दृष्ट्वा मागध: प्रहसन्बली । अन्वधावद् रथानीकैरीशयोरप्रमाणवित् ॥ ९ ॥
palāyamānau tau dṛṣṭvā māgadhaḥ prahasan balī anvadhāvad rathānīkair īśayor apramāṇa-vit
When he saw Them fleeing, powerful Jarāsandha laughed loudly and then pursued Them with charioteers and foot soldiers. He could not understand the exalted position of the two Lords.
FAQs
This verse shows Jarāsandha mistook Their retreat as weakness; in the Bhagavatam, such apparent flight is part of the Lord’s līlā and strategy, revealing how the proud cannot measure the Supreme.
“Māgadḥa” refers to Jarāsandha, the king of Magadha, who pursued Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma with chariot forces.
It warns against judging spiritual strength by external appearances; humility and discernment are needed because the Lord’s ways—and the devotee’s path—can be beyond material estimation.