Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 27
Aghāsura-vadha: The Killing and Deliverance of Aghāsura
तान् वीक्ष्य कृष्ण: सकलाभयप्रदो ह्यनन्यनाथान् स्वकरादवच्युतान् । दीनांश्च मृत्योर्जठराग्निघासान् घृणार्दितो दिष्टकृतेन विस्मित: ॥ २७ ॥
tān vīkṣya kṛṣṇaḥ sakalābhaya-prado hy ananya-nāthān sva-karād avacyutān dīnāṁś ca mṛtyor jaṭharāgni-ghāsān ghṛṇārdito diṣṭa-kṛtena vismitaḥ
Kṛṣṇa saw that all the cowherd boys, who did not know anyone but Him as their Lord, had now gone out of His hand and were helpless, having entered like straws into the fire of the abdomen of Aghāsura, who was death personified. It was intolerable for Kṛṣṇa to be separated from His friends the cowherd boys. Therefore, as if seeing that this had been arranged by His internal potency, Kṛṣṇa was momentarily struck with wonder and unsure of what to do.
FAQs
This verse calls Kṛṣṇa “sakala-abhaya-prada,” teaching that His presence and protection remove fear for those who take shelter of Him, even when danger appears overwhelming.
Śukadeva describes Kṛṣṇa observing the boys seemingly seized by death; He is portrayed as marveling at the dramatic unfolding of providence within His līlā, while still being moved by compassion to protect.
The verse highlights “ananya-nātha” dependence—cultivating steady devotion, prayer, and remembrance of Kṛṣṇa as the ultimate protector, especially in moments of anxiety, uncertainty, or fear.