Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 17
Uddhava’s Counsel: The Jarāsandha Resolution and Kṛṣṇa’s Arrival at Indraprastha
बलं बृहद्ध्वजपटछत्रचामरै- र्वरायुधाभरणकिरीटवर्मभि: । दिवांशुभिस्तुमुलरवं बभौ रवे- र्यथार्णव: क्षुभिततिमिङ्गिलोर्मिभि: ॥ १७ ॥
balaṁ bṛhad-dhvaja-paṭa-chatra-cāmarair varāyudhābharaṇa-kirīṭa-varmabhiḥ divāṁśubhis tumula-ravaṁ babhau raver yathārṇavaḥ kṣubhita-timiṅgilormibhiḥ
The Lord’s army boasted royal umbrellas, cāmara fans and huge flagpoles with waving banners. During the day the sun’s rays reflected brightly from the soldiers’ fine weapons, jewelry, helmets and armor. Thus Lord Kṛṣṇa’s army, noisy with shouts and clatter, appeared like an ocean stirring with agitated waves and timiṅgila fish.
FAQs
This verse depicts Kṛṣṇa’s accompanying force as brilliant and majestic—filled with banners, parasols, fans, weapons and armor—roaring loudly and flashing in sunlight, emphasizing His divine sovereignty even while performing human-like pastimes.
Śukadeva uses a vivid simile: the army’s roar and shimmering movement resemble the ocean’s thunderous agitation when great waves toss enormous sea-creatures—highlighting the overwhelming power and splendor surrounding Kṛṣṇa.
It reminds a devotee that true protection and order (dharma) rest with the Supreme Lord; seeing Kṛṣṇa as the ultimate ruler helps cultivate faith, humility, and steadiness amid life’s “tumult.”