Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 18
Jarāsandha’s Siege of Mathurā, Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma’s Victory, and the Founding of Dvārakā amid Kālayavana’s Threat
तव राम यदि श्रद्धा युध्यस्व धैर्यमुद्वह । हित्वा वा मच्छरैश्छिन्नं देहं स्वर्याहि मां जहि ॥ १८ ॥
tava rāma yadi śraddhā yudhyasva dhairyam udvaha hitvā vā mac-charaiś chinnaṁ dehaṁ svar yāhi māṁ jahi
O Rāma, if You have the confidence, then bear Your courage and fight with me. Either abandon Your body, cut to pieces by my arrows, and go to heaven, or else slay me.
According to ācārya Śrīdhara Svāmī, Jarāsandha suspected that Lord Balarāma’s body was indestructible, and thus he offered what might be a more practical alternative, that Balarāma kill Jarāsandha.
FAQs
This verse presents the Kshatriya ideal of steadfast bravery—either fight with courage or accept death honorably, reflecting commitment to one’s duty without cowardice.
During the confrontation at Mathura, Jarasandha taunts and challenges Balarama to prove his valor—inviting him to fight decisively, even to the point of death.
Face responsibilities with resolve: commit to the right action with steadiness, rather than hesitating out of fear—especially when duty and integrity are at stake.