Jarāsandha’s Siege of Mathurā, Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma’s Victory, and the Founding of Dvārakā amid Kālayavana’s Threat
हनिष्यामि बलं ह्येतद्भुवि भारं समाहितम् । मागधेन समानीतं वश्यानां सर्वभूभुजाम् ॥ ७ ॥ अक्षौहिणीभि: सङ्ख्यातं भटाश्वरथकुञ्जरै: । मागधस्तु न हन्तव्यो भूय: कर्ता बलोद्यमम् ॥ ८ ॥
haniṣyāmi balaṁ hy etad bhuvi bhāraṁ samāhitam māgadhena samānītaṁ vaśyānāṁ sarva-bhūbhujām
[Der Herr dachte:] Dieses Heer ist eine Last für die Erde; der König von Magadha hat es aus den unterworfenen Königen zusammengeführt. Diese Macht, in Akṣauhiṇīs von Fußsoldaten, Pferden, Wagen und Elefanten gezählt, werde Ich vernichten; doch Jarāsandha selbst soll nicht getötet werden, denn künftig wird er gewiss erneut ein Heer aufstellen.
After due consideration, Lord Kṛṣṇa decided that since He had descended to the earth to destroy the demons, and since Jarāsandha was so enthusiastic to bring all the demons to the Lord’s front door, it was definitely more efficient to keep Jarāsandha alive and busy.
In this verse, Kṛṣṇa states He will destroy the amassed army that has become a heavy burden on the earth, showing His role in restoring dharma by reducing oppressive military power.
Jarāsandha had gathered vast forces by subjugating many kings; Kṛṣṇa declares His intent to eliminate that concentrated threat to relieve the earth and protect righteous order.
The verse highlights resisting harmful, oppressive accumulation of power—supporting actions that reduce suffering and uphold ethical responsibility in leadership and society.