Shloka 4
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
चर्मजैस्तान्तवै: पाशैर्बद्ध्वा पतितमर्भका: । नाशक्नुरन् समुद्धर्तुं कृष्णायाचख्युरुत्सुका: ॥ ४ ॥
carma-jais tāntavaiḥ pāśair baddhvā patitam arbhakāḥ nāśaknuran samuddhartuṁ kṛṣṇāyācakhyur utsukāḥ
They bound the trapped lizard with leather straps and then with woven ropes, yet still could not lift it out. So, excited, they went to Lord Kṛṣṇa and told Him about it.
Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī explains that because in this chapter the Yadu boys, even Śrī Pradyumna, are described as quite young, this must be an early pastime.
FAQs
This verse shows that when the boys could not rescue the fallen person by their own effort, they immediately approached Kṛṣṇa—illustrating the Bhagavata’s teaching to seek the Lord’s shelter when one’s strength is insufficient.
They had already bound him with ropes but still could not raise him; recognizing their limitation, they eagerly informed Kṛṣṇa, trusting His ability to protect and resolve the situation.
Make sincere effort, but when a problem exceeds your capacity, turn to prayer and divine dependence—seeking Kṛṣṇa’s guidance and protection rather than relying only on personal strength.