Shloka 30

Paugaṇḍa Cowherding, Tālavana, the Slaying of Dhenukāsura, and Revival from Poisoned Yamunā Water

Devanagari script

समेत्य तरसा प्रत्यग् द्वाभ्यां पद्‌भ्यां बलं बली । निहत्योरसि काशब्दं मुञ्चन् पर्यसरत् खल: ॥ ३० ॥

Transliteration

sametya tarasā pratyag dvābhyāṁ padbhyāṁ balaṁ balī nihatyorasi kā-śabdaṁ muñcan paryasarat khalaḥ

Translation

Der mächtige Dämon stürzte auf Herrn Baladeva zu und traf Seine Brust scharf mit den Hufen seiner Hinterbeine; dann rannte er umher und schrie laut auf.

Synonyms

• समेत्य: having approached
• समेत्य: क्रियाविशेषण (Adverbial)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: सम्-इ (धातु) → समेत्य (क्त्वा-प्रत्यय)
• Form: क्त्वान्त अव्यय (Gerund) — having come together/approached

• तरसा: with force
• तरसा: करण (Karana/Instrumental means)
• Type: Noun
• Root: तरस् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, तृतीया-विभक्ति (3rd/Instrumental), एकवचन — with speed/force

• प्रत्यक्: backward
• प्रत्यक्: क्रियाविशेषण (Directional adverb)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: प्रत्यञ्च् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: अव्यय (directional adverb) — backwards/away (in reverse direction)

• द्वाभ्याम्: with two
• द्वाभ्याम्: करण (Instrumental with padbhyām)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: द्वि (प्रातिपदिक/संख्या)
• Form: द्विवचनार्थ संख्या-शब्द; तृतीया-विभक्ति (3rd/Instrumental), द्विवचन — with two

• पद्भ्याम्: with (his) feet
• पद्भ्याम्: करण (Karana/Instrument)
• Type: Noun
• Root: पद् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, तृतीया-विभक्ति, द्विवचन — with (his) feet

• बलम्: Balarāma
• बलम्: कर्म (Karma/Object)
• Type: Noun
• Root: बल (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया-विभक्ति (2nd/Accusative), एकवचन — Balarāma (object)

• बली: the strong (ass-demon)
• बली: कर्ता (Karta/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: बलिन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (1st/Nominative), एकवचन — the strong one

• निहत्य: having struck
• निहत्य: क्रियाविशेषण (Adverbial)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: नि-हन् (धातु) → निहत्य (क्त्वा-प्रत्यय)
• Form: क्त्वान्त अव्यय (Gerund) — having struck/beat

• उरसि: on (his) chest
• उरसि: अधिकरण (Adhikarana/Location)
• Type: Noun
• Root: उरस् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, सप्तमी-विभक्ति (7th/Locative), एकवचन — on the chest

• का-शब्दम्: a “kā” cry
• का-शब्दम्: कर्म (Karma/Object of muñcan)
• Type: Noun
• Root: का (अव्यय/उद्गार) + शब्द (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: कर्मधारय-समास (उद्गारविशिष्टः शब्दः); पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया-विभक्ति, एकवचन — a ‘kā’ cry/sound

• मुञ्चन्: uttering
• मुञ्चन्: कर्ता-विशेषण (Agent-participle)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: मुच् (धातु) → मुञ्चत् (शतृ-कृदन्त)
• Form: वर्तमानकाले शतृ-प्रत्ययान्त कृदन्त; पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; कर्तृसमानाधिकरण — releasing/uttering

• पर्यसरत्: ran around
• पर्यसरत्: क्रिया (Main action)
• Type: Verb
• Root: परि-आ-सर् (धातु)
• Form: लङ्-लकार (Imperfect/Past), परस्मैपद, प्रथमपुरुष, एकवचन — ran around/moved away

• खलः: the wicked one
• खलः: कर्ता (Karta/Subject; apposition to बली)
• Type: Noun
• Root: खल (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन — the wicked one

Characters & Entities

• Balarāma
• Dhenukāsura

FAQs

What happens in the Dhenukāsura episode in Srimad Bhagavatam 10.15?

In this episode, Dhenukāsura—appearing as a powerful ass—attacks Balarāma, but his aggression ultimately leads to his defeat, clearing the way for the Lord’s friends and devotees to enjoy Vṛndāvana without fear.

Why does Dhenukāsura strike Balarāma with his hind legs in this verse?

As an asura in animal form, Dhenukāsura uses brute force and deceitful tactics; the verse highlights his violent attempt to harm Balarāma before fleeing, setting up the demon’s impending punishment.

What is the practical lesson of Bhagavatam 10.15.30 for modern life?

Opposition may come suddenly and aggressively, but steadiness in dharma and reliance on the Lord’s protection (and the strength of devotion) enables one to remain fearless and continue on the spiritual path.