Shloka 38
Parīkṣit’s Questions and the Prelude to Kṛṣṇa’s Advent
Earth’s Burden, Viṣṇu’s Order, and Kaṁsa’s Fear
मृत्युर्जन्मवतां वीर देहेन सह जायते । अद्य वाब्दशतान्ते वा मृत्युर्वै प्राणिनां ध्रुव: ॥ ३८ ॥
mṛtyur janmavatāṁ vīra dehena saha jāyate adya vābda-śatānte vā mṛtyur vai prāṇināṁ dhruvaḥ
O hero, one who is born must surely die, for death is born along with the body. Whether today or after a hundred years, death is certain for every living being.
Vasudeva wanted to impress upon Kaṁsa that although Kaṁsa feared dying and therefore wanted to kill even a woman, he could not avoid death. Death is sure. Why then should Kaṁsa do something that would be detrimental to his reputation and that of his family? As confirmed in Bhagavad-gītā (2.27) :
FAQs
This verse states that death is born along with the body—whether it comes today or after a hundred years, it is inevitable for all who take birth.
Vasudeva speaks to calm and instruct Kamsa, reminding him that death is unavoidable and that frantic violence cannot overcome destiny or the law of time.
Remembering mortality reduces fear and obsession, encouraging responsible living, forgiveness, and sincere spiritual practice rather than anxiety-driven actions.