Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 19
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
In 10.59.19, Naraka—distressed—enters his fortified city even as the battle continues, indicating his fear and desperation under the pressure of divine opposition.
The verse highlights the inner collapse of an asura when confronted by the Lord’s inevitable victory—externally he fights, but internally he is afflicted and forced to withdraw.
It reminds us that wrongdoing may appear defiant outwardly, but it ultimately leads to fear and anxiety; aligning with dharma and devotion brings steadiness instead of inner distress.