Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 43
Balarāma Humbles the Kurus and Rescues Sāmba
जलयानमिवाघूर्णं गङ्गायां नगरं पतत् । आकृष्यमाणमालोक्य कौरवा: जातसम्भ्रमा: ॥ ४२ ॥ तमेव शरणं जग्मु: सकुटुम्बा जिजीविषव: । सलक्ष्मणं पुरस्कृत्य साम्बं प्राञ्जलय: प्रभुम् ॥ ४३ ॥
jala-yānam ivāghūrṇaṁ gaṅgāyāṁ nagaraṁ patat ākṛṣyamāṇam ālokya kauravāḥ jāta-sambhramāḥ
Seeing that their city was tumbling about like a raft at sea as it was being dragged away, and that it was about to fall into the Ganges, the Kauravas became terrified. To save their lives they approached the Lord for shelter, taking their families with them. Placing Sāmba and Lakṣmaṇā in front, they joined their palms in supplication.
The city of Hastināpura began to roll about like a raft in a stormy sea. The frightened Kauravas, to quickly appease the Lord, immediately brought Sāmba and Lakṣmaṇā and placed them in front.
FAQs
This verse shows the Kauravas, overwhelmed by danger, giving up pride and seeking refuge in the Lord—illustrating that surrender to Bhagavān is the ultimate protection when worldly supports fail.
As the situation turned threatening and their city was being dragged toward the Gaṅgā, they feared for their lives and therefore approached Sāmba respectfully, seeking relief through him while ultimately taking shelter of the Lord.
When crisis strikes, replace panic and blame with humility, prayer, and dharmic action—seeking guidance from the Lord and His devotees rather than relying only on control and power.