Shloka 16
Trivakrā’s Transformation and the Breaking of Kaṁsa’s Bow
Mathurā-līlā Prelude
पुरुषैर्बहुभिर्गुप्तमर्चितं परमर्द्धिमत् । वार्यमाणो नृभि: कृष्ण: प्रसह्य धनुराददे ॥ १६ ॥
puruṣair bahubhir guptam arcitaṁ paramarddhimat vāryamāṇo nṛbhiḥ kṛṣṇaḥ prasahya dhanur ādade
Jener höchst prächtige Bogen wurde von vielen Männern bewacht und ehrfürchtig verehrt. Obwohl die Wächter Ihn aufzuhalten versuchten, drängte Kṛṣṇa kraftvoll vor und hob den Bogen auf.
FAQs
This verse states that the highly valued, worshiped bow—though guarded by many—was seized by Kṛṣṇa despite the guards trying to stop Him, showing His supreme strength and resolve.
In the Mathurā narrative, the bow was connected to Kaṁsa’s power and intimidation; Kṛṣṇa’s act begins the public confrontation with adharma and signals the imminent downfall of Kaṁsa’s regime.
When righteousness is obstructed by intimidation or pressure, this verse inspires steady courage—acting firmly for dharma without being shaken by opposition.