Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 27
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rājasūya Resolve and the Slaying of Jarāsandha
इत्युदारमति: प्राह कृष्णार्जुनवृकोदरान् । हे विप्रा व्रियतां कामो ददाम्यात्मशिरोऽपि व: ॥ २७ ॥
ity udāra-matiḥ prāha kṛṣṇārjuna-vṛkodarān he viprā vriyatāṁ kāmo dadāmy ātma-śiro ’pi vaḥ
[Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued:] Thus making up his mind, the generous Jarāsandha addressed Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna and Bhīma: “O learned brāhmaṇas, choose whatever you wish. I will give it to you, even if it is my own head.”
FAQs
This verse shows Jarāsandha presenting himself as magnanimous and bound by kṣatriya code—inviting the ‘brāhmaṇas’ to ask any boon, even offering his own head, reflecting the ideal of keeping one’s word and giving without fear.
In this episode, Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna, and Bhīma approach Jarāsandha in the guise of brāhmaṇas; Jarāsandha addresses them accordingly, not yet openly treating them as warrior challengers.
It highlights integrity and commitment: speak promises carefully, but once given, honor them—even when it is costly—while also learning to discern appearances, since virtue can be invoked even within a larger conflict.