Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 17
The Slaying of Narakāsura (Bhaumāsura), Rescue of the Princesses, and the Pārijāta Episode Begins
यानि योधै: प्रयुक्तानि शस्त्रास्त्राणि कुरूद्वह । हरिस्तान्यच्छिनत्तीक्ष्णै: शरैरेकैकशस्त्रिभि: ॥ १७ ॥ उह्यमान: सुपर्णेन पक्षाभ्यां निघ्नता गजान् । गुरुत्मता हन्यमानास्तुण्डपक्षनखेर्गजा: ॥ १८ ॥ पुरमेवाविशन्नार्ता नरको युध्ययुध्यत ॥ १९ ॥
yāni yodhaiḥ prayuktāni śastrāstrāṇi kurūdvaha haris tāny acchinat tīkṣṇaiḥ śarair ekaikaśas trībhiḥ
Lord Hari then struck down all the missiles and weapons the enemy soldiers threw at Him, O hero of the Kurus, destroying each and every one with three sharp arrows. Meanwhile Garuḍa, as he carried the Lord, struck the enemy’s elephants with his wings. Beaten by Garuḍa’s wings, beak and talons, the elephants fled back into the city, leaving Narakāsura alone on the battlefield to oppose Kṛṣṇa.
FAQs
This verse shows Hari’s effortless mastery: every incoming weapon is neutralized precisely, demonstrating divine control beyond ordinary martial skill.
Śukadeva addresses Parīkṣit respectfully as the foremost of the Kuru dynasty while narrating Kṛṣṇa’s heroic deeds, keeping the listener’s royal identity and duty in view.
When challenges come “weapon-like” from many sides, the devotee remembers that the Lord can remove obstacles in precise ways; one should respond with steadiness and faith rather than panic.