Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 27
Trikūṭa Mountain, Ṛtumat Garden, and the Beginning of Gajendra’s Crisis
तं तत्र कश्चिन्नृप दैवचोदितो ग्राहो बलीयांश्चरणे रुषाग्रहीत् । यदृच्छयैवं व्यसनं गतो गजो यथाबलं सोऽतिबलो विचक्रमे ॥ २७ ॥
taṁ tatra kaścin nṛpa daiva-codito grāho balīyāṁś caraṇe ruṣāgrahīt yadṛcchayaivaṁ vyasanaṁ gato gajo yathā-balaṁ so ’tibalo vicakrame
O König, durch die Fügung der Vorsehung wurde ein sehr starker Krokodil zornig und packte im Wasser Gajendras Bein. Obwohl ihn dieses Unglück unerwartet traf, rang der mächtige Elefant nach Kräften, um sich aus der vom Schicksal gesandten Gefahr zu befreien.
FAQs
This verse states that the crocodile seized Gajendra’s foot because he was “daiva-coditaḥ”—impelled by providence—showing that distress can arise suddenly under higher arrangement.
To emphasize the helplessness even of the powerful when circumstances are divinely arranged, setting the stage for Gajendra’s turn from self-effort to prayer and surrender.
It reminds us that sheer strength or capability may not resolve every crisis; when overwhelmed, one should seek higher shelter—through prayer, humility, and devotional remembrance of the Lord.