Shloka 15
Kṛṣṇa Slays Kuvalayāpīḍa and Enters Kaṁsa’s Wrestling Arena
मृतकं द्विपमुत्सृज्य दन्तपाणि: समाविशत् । अंसन्यस्तविषाणोऽसृङ्मदबिन्दुभिरङ्कित: । विरूढस्वेदकणिकावदनाम्बुरुहो बभौ ॥ १५ ॥
mṛtakaṁ dvipam utsṛjya danta-pāṇiḥ samāviśat aṁsa-nyasta-viṣāṇo ’sṛṅ- mada-bindubhir aṅkitaḥ virūḍha-sveda-kaṇikā vadanāmburuho babhau
Leaving the dead elephant aside, Lord Kṛṣṇa, tusk in hand, entered the wrestling arena. Resting the tusk upon His shoulder, sprinkled with the elephant’s blood, sweat and musth, and with His lotus face beaded with His own fine perspiration, the Lord shone in wondrous beauty.
FAQs
This verse describes Kṛṣṇa entering the arena after killing the elephant, still radiant—His lotus face shining with beads of sweat—showing that His divine beauty is never diminished, even amid combat.
After defeating Kaṁsa’s elephant (Kuvalayāpīḍa), Kṛṣṇa took its tusk as a weapon and walked into the arena, signaling His fearlessness and readiness to confront Kaṁsa’s champions.
Do your duty with courage, but remain inwardly centered in devotion—like Kṛṣṇa, whose splendor and composure remain intact even after intense struggle.