Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 11
Pauṇḍraka’s False Vāsudeva Claim, His Death, and the Burning of Vārāṇasī by Sudarśana
पौण्ड्रकोऽपि तदुद्योगमुपलभ्य महारथ: । अक्षौहिणीभ्यां संयुक्तो निश्चक्राम पुराद् द्रुतम् ॥ ११ ॥
pauṇḍrako ’pi tad-udyogam upalabhya mahā-rathaḥ akṣauhiṇībhyāṁ saṁyukto niścakrāma purād drutam
মহারথী পৌণ্ড্রকও শ্রীকৃষ্ণের যুদ্ধের প্রস্তুতি লক্ষ্য করে দুই অক্ষৌহিণী সেনাসহ দ্রুত নগর থেকে নির্গত হল।
FAQs
Pauṇḍraka is a rival king who falsely claimed to be Vāsudeva; upon hearing of the opposing military preparations, he marched out swiftly with a large army.
An akṣauhiṇī is a standard full military division in ancient Indian warfare; this verse states Pauṇḍraka went forth supported by two such divisions.
It highlights how ego-driven ambition pushes one into reckless action; instead of imitating the Divine, a seeker should cultivate humility and genuine devotion.