Shloka 32
Yoga-māyā Appears as Durgā; Kaṁsa’s Repentance and the Demonic Policy of Persecuting Vaiṣṇavas
किमुद्यमै: करिष्यन्ति देवा: समरभीरव: । नित्यमुद्विग्नमनसो ज्याघोषैर्धनुषस्तव ॥ ३२ ॥
kim udyamaiḥ kariṣyanti devāḥ samara-bhīravaḥ nityam udvigna-manaso jyā-ghoṣair dhanuṣas tava
The demigods always fear the sound of your bowstring. They are constantly in anxiety, afraid of fighting. Therefore, what can they do by their endeavors to harm you?
FAQs
This verse depicts Kaṁsa’s contemptuous view that the devas are anxious and timid, implying that worldly power and high position do not guarantee fearlessness without divine shelter.
In the narrative of Canto 10, Chapter 4, Kaṁsa is emboldened in his tyranny and belittles the devas, assuming their efforts cannot stop him as he intensifies his persecutions.
External status can’t remove inner anxiety; steadiness comes from taking shelter of dharma and devotion rather than relying only on power, position, or intimidation.