Shloka 20
The Slaying of Narakāsura (Bhaumāsura), Rescue of the Princesses, and the Pārijāta Episode Begins
दृष्ट्वा विद्रावितं सैन्यं गरुडेनार्दितं स्वकं । तं भौम: प्राहरच्छक्त्या वज्र: प्रतिहतो यत: । नाकम्पत तया विद्धो मालाहत इव द्विप: ॥ २० ॥
dṛṣṭvā vidrāvitaṁ sainyaṁ garuḍenārditaṁ svakaṁ taṁ bhaumaḥ prāharac chaktyā vajraḥ pratihato yataḥ nākampata tayā viddho mālāhata iva dvipaḥ
Seeing his army driven back and harassed by Garuḍa, Bhauma struck with a spear that had once checked Indra’s vajra; yet though hit, Garuḍa did not tremble, like an elephant touched by a garland of flowers.
FAQs
This verse describes Garuḍa as so steady and formidable that even when Bhauma strikes him with a śakti-weapon, he does not tremble—illustrating the fearlessness that comes from serving the Supreme Lord.
After seeing his own forces scattered by Garuḍa, Bhaumāsura tried to counter Garuḍa directly with a powerful weapon, but Garuḍa remained unaffected, showing the futility of opposing the Lord’s associates.
Steadiness in dharma and devotion brings inner strength: when one is aligned with divine service, external attacks—insults, fear, or setbacks—lose their power to shake the mind.