Shloka 36
Kṛṣṇa Slays Kuvalayāpīḍa and Enters Kaṁsa’s Wrestling Arena
तन्निशम्याब्रवीत्कृष्णो देशकालोचितं वच: । नियुद्धमात्मनोऽभीष्टं मन्यमानोऽभिनन्द्य च ॥ ३६ ॥
tan niśamyābravīt kṛṣṇo deśa-kālocitaṁ vacaḥ niyuddham ātmano ’bhīṣṭaṁ manyamāno ’bhinandya ca
Hearing this, Lord Kṛṣṇa—who delighted in wrestling and welcomed the challenge—replied with words appropriate to the time and place.
FAQs
This verse highlights Kṛṣṇa as the ideal speaker—He responds with words suited to the specific time, place, and situation, showing dharmic discernment rather than impulsive speech.
Kṛṣṇa regarded the regulated duel as something He desired—part of His divine plan to confront the wrestlers and proceed toward Kaṁsa’s downfall, while outwardly honoring the accepted rules of combat.
A devotee can practice speaking truth with sensitivity—choosing words, tone, and timing that uphold dharma and benefit others, rather than insisting on harsh “rightness” without compassion.