Shloka 9
Kṛṣṇa Comforts His Parents, Restores Ugrasena, Studies with Sāndīpani, and Returns the Guru’s Son
तत् क्षन्तुमर्हथस्तात मातर्नौ परतन्त्रयो: । अकुर्वतोर्वां शुश्रूषां क्लिष्टयोर्दुर्हृदा भृशम् ॥ ९ ॥
tat kṣantum arhathas tāta mātar nau para-tantrayoḥ akurvator vāṁ śuśrūṣāṁ kliṣṭayor durhṛdā bhṛśam
Dear Father and Mother, please forgive Us. We were not independent and thus could not serve you; the cruel Kaṁsa grievously oppressed Us.
According to Sanskrit grammar, the words para-tantrayoḥ and kliṣṭayoḥ may also refer to Vasudeva and Devakī. Actually, Vasudeva and Devakī were under the control of Providence and were disturbed by the activities of Kaṁsa, whereas Śrī Kṛṣṇa is always the absolute Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
This verse shows Kṛṣṇa Himself expressing remorse for not being able to serve His parents, teaching that honoring and serving father and mother is a sacred dharmic duty.
After being separated from them due to Kaṁsa’s oppression and later royal responsibilities, Kṛṣṇa acknowledges that He could not personally care for them and asks their forgiveness.
Even when circumstances limit our time, we can maintain humility, communicate gratitude, and offer consistent practical support and respectful attention to parents and elders.