Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 32
Prāyaścitta, the ‘Elephant Bath’ Problem, and the Opening of Ajāmila-Upākhyāna
ऊचुर्निषेधितास्तांस्ते वैवस्वतपुर:सरा: । के यूयं प्रतिषेद्धारो धर्मराजस्य शासनम् ॥ ३२ ॥
ūcur niṣedhitās tāṁs te vaivasvata-puraḥsarāḥ ke yūyaṁ pratiṣeddhāro dharma-rājasya śāsanam
When the order carriers of Yamarāja, the son of the sun-god, were thus forbidden, they replied: Who are you, sirs, that have the audacity to challenge the jurisdiction of Yamarāja?
According to the sinful activities of Ajāmila, he was within the jurisdiction of Yamarāja, the supreme judge appointed to consider the sins of the living entities. When forbidden to touch Ajāmila, the order carriers of Yamarāja were surprised because they had never been hindered in the execution of their duty by anyone within the three worlds.
FAQs
They are the chief Yamadūtas—the leading messengers of Vaivasvata, Yamarāja—who enforce the laws of karma and punishment.
Because the Viṣṇudūtas stopped them from taking Ajāmila, and the Yamadūtas demanded to know who could lawfully obstruct Dharmarāja’s command.
Divine protection can override fear of punishment when one turns toward sincere devotion; it encourages taking shelter of Bhagavān and living responsibly under dharma.