Shloka 19
Kṛṣṇa Leads Kālayavana to Mucukunda; The Yavana Is Burned; Mucukunda’s Prayers and Boon of Bhakti
कालो बलीयान् बलिनां भगवानीश्वरोऽव्यय: । प्रजा: कालयते क्रीडन् पशुपालो यथा पशून् ॥ १९ ॥
kālo balīyān balināṁ bhagavān īśvaro ’vyayaḥ prajāḥ kālayate krīḍan paśu-pālo yathā paśūn
Die unerschöpfliche Zeit, stärker als die Starken, ist Bhagavān selbst, der höchste Īśvara. Spielend lenkt Er die Sterblichen wie ein Hirte seine Herde treibt.
The universe is created to gradually rectify the contaminated souls trying to exploit material nature. The Lord moves the conditioned souls along, according to their karma, through the various stages of spiritual rectification. Thus the Lord is like a herdsman (the word paśu-pāla literally means “protector of animals”), who moves the creatures under his protection to various pastures and watering spots in order to protect them and sustain them. A further analogy is that of a doctor, who moves the patient under his care to various areas of a hospital for diverse kinds of examination and treatment. Similarly, the Lord brings us through the network of material existence in a gradual cleansing process so that we can enjoy our eternal life of bliss and knowledge as His enlightened associates. Thus all of Mucukunda’s relatives, friends and co-workers had long ago been swept away by the force of time, which of course is Kṛṣṇa Himself.
FAQs
This verse states that Kāla is not merely a force—time is Bhagavān Himself, the imperishable controller, who governs the destiny of all beings.
While offering prayers after meeting Lord Kṛṣṇa, Mucukunda reflects on how even the mighty are defeated by time, encouraging humility and surrender to the Supreme Controller.
Recognize that status and strength are temporary; use your limited time for dharma and bhakti—steady spiritual practice, service, and remembrance of God.