Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 16
Balarāma Slays the Ape Dvivida
Dvivida-vadha
तं तस्याविनयं दृष्ट्वा देशांश्च तदुपद्रुतान् । क्रुद्धो मुषलमादत्त हलं चारिजिघांसया ॥ १६ ॥
taṁ tasyāvinayaṁ dṛṣṭvā deśāṁś ca tad-upadrutān kruddho muṣalam ādatta halaṁ cāri-jighāṁsayā
Lord Balarāma saw the ape’s rude behavior and thought of the disruptions he had created in the surrounding kingdoms. Thus the Lord angrily took up His club and His plow weapon, having decided to put His enemy to death.
The word avinayam means “without humility.” Dvivida, completely lacking in modesty and humility, shamelessly performed the most wicked activities. Lord Balarāma knew of the great disturbances Dvivida had caused to people in general, apart from the vulgar behavior the ape was exhibiting in the Lord’s own presence. The offensive ape would now have to die.
FAQs
This verse shows that when a violent offender devastates the land and violates dharma, Lord Balarāma becomes determined to stop him, taking up His divine weapons to protect the world.
Because Dvivida’s shameless aggression had harmed many places; seeing this, Balarāma resolved to kill the enemy and therefore took up His musala (club) and hala (plow).
Do not normalize harmful behavior; when others are being harmed, respond firmly and responsibly—using appropriate means—to protect people and uphold righteousness.