Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 32
Jarāsandha’s Siege of Mathurā, Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma’s Victory, and the Founding of Dvārakā amid Kālayavana’s Threat
स मुक्तो लोकनाथाभ्यां व्रीडितो वीरसम्मत: । तपसे कृतसङ्कल्पो वारित: पथि राजभि: ॥ ३२ ॥ वाक्यै: पवित्रार्थपदैर्नयनै: प्राकृतैरपि । स्वकर्मबन्धप्राप्तोऽयं यदुभिस्ते पराभव: ॥ ३३ ॥
sā mukto loka-nāthābhyāṁ vrīḍito vīra-sammataḥ tapase kṛta-saṅkalpo vāritaḥ pathi rājabhiḥ
Jarāsandha, whom fighters had highly honored, was ashamed after being released by the two Lords of the universe, and thus he decided to undergo penances. On the road, however, several kings convinced him with both spiritual wisdom and mundane arguments that he should give up his idea of self-abnegation. They told him, “Your defeat by the Yadus was simply the unavoidable reaction of your past karma.”
FAQs
This verse shows a heroic king becoming ashamed of worldly entanglement and firmly resolving to take up austerity—indicating that inner purification and renunciation may follow even great worldly honor.
As described here, after being released he intended to leave for penance, but other kings intercepted him—reflecting how worldly duties and political expectations can obstruct a renunciant resolve.
Even if society praises you, cultivate humility and make a firm commitment to spiritual discipline; also recognize and consciously navigate social pressures that try to pull you back into old roles.