Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 4
Nārada’s Protection of Kayādhu and Prahlāda’s Womb-Instructions: Ātma-tattva and the Path of Bhakti
तेषामतिबलोद्योगं निशम्यासुरयूथपा: । वध्यमाना: सुरैर्भीता दुद्रुवु: सर्वतो दिशम् ॥ ४ ॥ कलत्रपुत्रवित्ताप्तान्गृहान्पशुपरिच्छदान् । नावेक्ष्यमाणास्त्वरिता: सर्वे प्राणपरीप्सव: ॥ ५ ॥
teṣām atibalodyogaṁ niśamyāsura-yūthapāḥ vadhyamānāḥ surair bhītā dudruvuḥ sarvato diśam
When the great leaders of the demons, who were being killed one after another, saw the unprecedented exertion of the demigods in fighting, they began to flee, scattering themselves in all directions. Simply to protect their lives, they hastily fled from their homes, wives, children, animals and household paraphernalia. Paying no heed to all these, the demons simply fled.
FAQs
This verse describes the asura leaders fleeing in fear when the devas strike them down, showing how adharmic power collapses when confronted by divinely supported strength.
Because they hear of the overwhelming counter-effort and are attacked by the devas; fear replaces their pride, and self-preservation becomes their only motive.
When selfish impulses (asuric tendencies) are challenged by disciplined, dharmic action (daivic qualities), the former lose their hold—so strengthen dharma through steady practice.