Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 9
Jarāsandha’s Siege of Mathurā, Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma’s Victory, and the Founding of Dvārakā amid Kālayavana’s Threat
एतदर्थोऽवतारोऽयं भूभारहरणाय मे । संरक्षणाय साधूनां कृतोऽन्येषां वधाय च ॥ ९ ॥
etad-artho ’vatāro ’yaṁ bhū-bhāra-haraṇāya me saṁrakṣaṇāya sādhūnāṁ kṛto ’nyeṣāṁ vadhāya ca
This is the purpose of My present descent: to relieve the earth of its burden, to protect the sādhus, and to destroy the impious.
FAQs
This verse states that Krishna descends to remove the earth’s burden, protect the saintly devotees, and destroy those who act against dharma.
In the narrative context of Canto 10, Krishna’s actions against oppressive kings and demonic forces are presented as His divine mission—relieving the world’s burden while safeguarding His devotees.
The verse encourages aligning with dharma: support sincere spiritual practitioners, cultivate saintly qualities, and oppose harmful actions and habits within oneself and society.