Shloka 32
Chapter 90
तेषाम् उद्दाम-वीर्याणाम् अष्टा-दश महा-रथाः । आसन्न् उदार-यशसस् तेषां नामानि मे शृणु ॥
teṣām uddāma-vīryāṇām aṣṭā-daśa mahā-rathāḥ / āsann udāra-yaśasas teṣāṃ nāmāni me śṛṇu //
ومن بين أولئك الأبناء ذوي البأس الذي لا حدّ له، صار ثمانيةَ عشرَ «مها-رثا»؛ محاربي مركباتٍ عظامًا ذوي مجدٍ رفيع. فاسمع الآن أسماءهم مني.
Having stated that Kṛṣṇa expanded His family through many queens, Śukadeva now emphasizes the exceptional prowess and renown of Kṛṣṇa’s offspring. The term “uddāma-vīrya” (unrestrained, extraordinary heroism) suggests not mere martial skill but the royal capacity to uphold dharma and protect society. “Mahā-ratha” is a classical designation for a top-tier warrior—one capable of fighting many opponents and commanding the battlefield—indicating that Kṛṣṇa’s descendants were not ordinary princes but powerful kṣatriyas suited for the burdens of righteous governance. At a deeper level, the Bhagavatam often uses genealogy and lists of names not as dry history but as sacred memory: to anchor līlā in a real lineage, to connect devotees to the Lord’s earthly associates, and to show how the Lord’s presence elevates everyone connected with Him. Śukadeva’s invitation—“hear their names”—also signals the devotional principle of śravaṇam (hearing). Even hearing the names and glories connected to Kṛṣṇa’s family becomes spiritually beneficial when done with faith and attention.
FAQs
A mahā-ratha is a top-grade chariot warrior—an elite fighter and leader on the battlefield, indicating exceptional martial capacity and status.
To preserve sacred history of Kṛṣṇa’s līlā, highlight the dharmic royal lineage connected to Him, and engage the listener in devotional hearing (śravaṇam).
Cultivate excellence and responsibility in one’s duties while keeping devotion central—true ‘valor’ includes protecting dharma, integrity, and service to God.