Shloka 30
Kṛṣṇa Slays Kuvalayāpīḍa and Enters Kaṁsa’s Wrestling Arena
अयं चास्याग्रज: श्रीमान्राम: कमललोचन: । प्रलम्बो निहतो येन वत्सको ये बकादय: ॥ ३० ॥
ayaṁ cāsyāgrajaḥ śrīmān rāmaḥ kamala-locanaḥ pralambo nihato yena vatsako ye bakādayaḥ
His lotus-eyed elder brother, the glorious Lord Balarāma, is the master of all transcendental opulences; He has slain Pralamba, Vatsaka, Baka, and other demons.
In fact two of the demons mentioned here were killed by Kṛṣṇa, not Balarāma. The reason for the mistake is that as news of Kṛṣṇa’s exploits spread among ordinary people, the facts became somewhat muddled. The same tendency can be observed in modern newspapers.
FAQs
This verse identifies Balarāma as the slayer of Pralamba, recalling His divine protection of the Vraja community and His role in the Lord’s līlā of removing demonic obstacles.
As Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma enter Kaṁsa’s arena, Śukadeva highlights Their established heroism by reminding the audience of earlier Vṛndāvana victories over powerful asuras.
Regular remembrance of the Lord’s victories strengthens faith, reduces fear, and supports steady bhakti by seeing hardships as obstacles that can be overcome through divine shelter.