Shloka 47
Parīkṣit’s Questions and the Prelude to Kṛṣṇa’s Advent
Earth’s Burden, Viṣṇu’s Order, and Kaṁsa’s Fear
निर्बन्धं तस्य तं ज्ञात्वा विचिन्त्यानकदुन्दुभि: । प्राप्तं कालं प्रतिव्योढुमिदं तत्रान्वपद्यत ॥ ४७ ॥
nirbandhaṁ tasya taṁ jñātvā vicintyānakadundubhiḥ prāptaṁ kālaṁ prativyoḍhum idaṁ tatrānvapadyata
Seeing Kaṁsa’s firm resolve to kill his sister Devakī, Vasudeva (Ānakadundubhi) pondered deeply. To avert the imminent danger of death, he adopted another plan on the spot.
Although Vasudeva saw the imminent danger that his wife Devakī would be killed, he was convinced of his welfare because at his birth the demigods had played drums and kettledrums. He therefore attempted another way to save Devakī.
FAQs
It shows Vasudeva recognizing Kaṁsa’s fixed intent and thoughtfully choosing a timely countermeasure—teaching presence of mind and dharmic strategy in peril.
Because Kaṁsa was determined to act violently, Vasudeva understood immediate action was required and therefore adopted a practical course to avert the threat.
When faced with unavoidable opposition, reflect calmly, assess timing, and take wise, values-based action rather than reacting impulsively.