Shloka 49
Gokula’s Wonder, Kṛṣṇa’s Bhakta-vaśyatā, the Move to Vṛndāvana, and the Slaying of Vatsāsura and Bakāsura
कृष्णं महाबकग्रस्तं दृष्ट्वा रामादयोऽर्भका: । बभूवुरिन्द्रियाणीव विना प्राणं विचेतस: ॥ ४९ ॥
kṛṣṇaṁ mahā-baka-grastaṁ dṛṣṭvā rāmādayo ’rbhakāḥ babhūvur indriyāṇīva vinā prāṇaṁ vicetasaḥ
Seeing Kṛṣṇa swallowed by the gigantic heron, Balarāma and the other boys became almost unconscious—like the senses when life-breath has departed.
Although Balarāma can do everything, because of intense affection for His brother He was momentarily bewildered. A similar thing is stated to have happened in connection with rukmiṇī-haraṇa, the kidnapping of Rukmiṇī. When Kṛṣṇa, after kidnapping Rukmiṇī, was attacked by all the kings, Rukmiṇī was momentarily bewildered, until the Lord took the proper steps.
FAQs
This verse shows the crisis when Bakāsura seizes Kṛṣṇa, highlighting how Vraja’s devotees are overwhelmed in separation and fear—setting the stage for Kṛṣṇa’s divine protection and victory over evil.
Because their lives and hearts were centered on Kṛṣṇa; seeing Him apparently overpowered, they lost composure—compared here to senses becoming inert when the life-breath leaves.
It teaches the depth of loving dependence on God: when faith is tested, devotees may feel shaken, yet Kṛṣṇa’s protection ultimately prevails—encouraging perseverance in devotion during sudden fear or uncertainty.