Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 22
Balarāma Slays the Ape Dvivida
Dvivida-vadha
एवं युध्यन् भगवता भग्ने भग्ने पुन: पुन: । आकृष्य सर्वतो वृक्षान् निर्वृक्षमकरोद् वनम् ॥ २२ ॥
evaṁ yudhyan bhagavatā bhagne bhagne punaḥ punaḥ ākṛṣya sarvato vṛkṣān nirvṛkṣam akarod vanam
Thus fighting the Lord, who again and again demolished the trees He was attacked with, Dvivida kept on uprooting trees from all sides until the forest was left treeless.
FAQs
It describes Śālva repeatedly being repulsed by Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa and, in frustration, dragging trees from all sides until the forest becomes treeless.
The narrative emphasizes Bhagavān’s invincibility—no matter how many times the aggressor renews his attack, he is again and again broken by the Lord’s superior power.
When ego meets repeated failure, it can become destructive (like stripping a forest). The verse cautions us to respond to setbacks with humility and self-control rather than rage and harm.