Shloka 43
Rājasūya: Agrapūjā for Kṛṣṇa and the Slaying (and Liberation) of Śiśupāla
तावदुत्थाय भगवान् स्वान् निवार्य स्वयं रुषा । शिर: क्षुरान्तचक्रेण जहारपततो रिपो: ॥ ४३ ॥
tāvad utthāya bhagavān svān nivārya svayaṁ ruṣā śiraḥ kṣurānta-cakreṇa jahāra patato ripoḥ
At that moment the Supreme Lord rose and restrained His devotees. Then, in wrath, He released His razor-sharp Sudarśana disc and severed the head of the enemy as he rushed to attack.
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura explains the Lord’s action as follows: If Lord Kṛṣṇa had done nothing, there probably would have been a savage fight on the sacrificial grounds, and thus the whole ceremony would have been drenched in blood, spoiling the sanctified atmosphere. Therefore, in order to protect the Rājasūya sacrifice of Kṛṣṇa’s beloved devotee Yudhiṣṭhira, the Lord immediately severed Śiśupāla’s head with His razor-sharp disc in such a way that not a drop of blood fell within the sacrificial grounds.
FAQs
This verse describes how Kṛṣṇa personally beheaded Śiśupāla with the razor-edged Sudarśana disc when he attacked; the narrative culminates in Śiśupāla attaining liberation by the Lord’s direct contact.
Kṛṣṇa checked His supporters to prevent a chaotic retaliation and to demonstrate that ultimate judgment and protection rest with Him; He then acted decisively Himself.
It teaches disciplined restraint in conflict—avoid impulsive group retaliation—while upholding justice under proper authority, remembering that the Supreme ultimately protects and sets right what is unrighteous.