Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 13
Nārāyaṇa’s Impartiality, Absorption in Kṛṣṇa, and the Jaya–Vijaya Descent
Prelude to Prahlāda’s History
अत्रैवोदाहृत: पूर्वमितिहास: सुरर्षिणा । प्रीत्या महाक्रतौ राजन् पृच्छतेऽजातशत्रवे ॥ १३ ॥
atraivodāhṛtaḥ pūrvam itihāsaḥ surarṣiṇā prītyā mahā-kratau rājan pṛcchate ’jāta-śatrave
Formerly, O King, when Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira was performing the Rājasūya sacrifice, the great sage Nārada, responding to his inquiry, recited historical facts showing how the Supreme Personality of Godhead is always impartial, even when killing demons. In this regard he gave a vivid example.
This relates to how the Lord exhibited His impartiality even when killing Śiśupāla in the arena of the Rājasūya yajña performed by Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira.
FAQs
Ajātaśatru is an epithet of King Yudhiṣṭhira, meaning “one whose enemy is not born,” indicating his saintly, non-envious nature.
He signals that the teaching will be supported by an earlier historical narration—spoken by Nārada Muni—used to clarify the topic being discussed in this section.
By studying Bhagavatam narratives as practical guidance—using real examples of devotees and kings to shape one’s conduct, faith, and understanding of dharma and bhakti.