Shloka 15
Kuntī’s Prayers and the Neutralization of the Brahmāstra
Uttarā Protected; Yudhiṣṭhira’s Grief Begins
यद्यप्यस्त्रं ब्रह्मशिरस्त्वमोघं चाप्रतिक्रियम् । वैष्णवं तेज आसाद्य समशाम्यद् भृगूद्वह ॥ १५ ॥
yadyapy astraṁ brahma-śiras tv amoghaṁ cāpratikriyam vaiṣṇavaṁ teja āsādya samaśāmyad bhṛgūdvaha
হে ভৃগুকুল-গৌরব শৌনক! অশ্বত্থামা নিক্ষিপ্ত ব্রহ্মশিরা অস্ত্র অমোঘ ও অপ্রতিকার্য হলেও বৈষ্ণব তেজের সম্মুখে তা প্রশমিত হয়ে নিষ্ফল হল।
In the Bhagavad-gītā it is said that the brahmajyoti, or the glowing transcendental effulgence, is resting on Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. In other words, the glowing effulgence known as brahma-tejas is nothing but the rays of the Lord, just as the sun rays are rays of the sun disc. So this Brahma weapon also, although materially irresistible, could not surpass the supreme strength of the Lord. The weapon called brahmāstra, released by Aśvatthāmā, was neutralized and foiled by Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa by His own energy; that is to say, He did not wait for any other’s help because He is absolute.
FAQs
This verse explains that even an infallible, seemingly unstoppable weapon like the Brahmaśira becomes pacified when it meets the superior Vaiṣṇava (Viṣṇu-centered) spiritual potency.
Suta is narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya and respectfully addresses their leader Śaunaka—born in the Bhṛgu line—to emphasize authority and reverence while describing the Lord’s supreme protection.
The takeaway is to cultivate Viṣṇu-centered devotion and integrity—spiritual strength rooted in surrender and remembrance of the Lord can calm fear and overcome forces that seem impossible to handle alone.