Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 34
Parīkṣit Confronts Kali; Dharma and Bhūmi Lament Kṛṣṇa’s Departure
यो वै ममातिभरमासुरवंशराज्ञा- मक्षौहिणीशतमपानुददात्मतन्त्र: । त्वां दु:स्थमूनपदमात्मनि पौरुषेण सम्पादयन् यदुषु रम्यमबिभ्रदङ्गम् ॥ ३४ ॥
yo vai mamātibharam āsura-vaṁśa-rājñām akṣauhiṇī-śatam apānudad ātma-tantraḥ tvāṁ duḥstham ūna-padam ātmani pauruṣeṇa sampādayan yaduṣu ramyam abibhrad aṅgam
O personified Religion, I was grievously overburdened by the countless military hosts arranged by atheistic kings, and by the grace of the Bhagavān that burden was removed. In the same way, you were distressed and weakened in your standing; therefore He, by His internal potency, appeared in the Yadu dynasty in a beautiful form to restore you.
The asuras want to enjoy a life of sense gratification, even at the cost of others’ happiness. In order to fulfill this ambition, the asuras, especially atheistic kings or state executive heads, try to equip themselves with all kinds of deadly weapons to bring about a war in a peaceful society. They have no ambition other than personal aggrandizement, and thus mother earth feels overburdened by such undue increases of military strength. By increase of the asuric population, those who follow the principles of religion become unhappy, especially the devotees, or devas.
FAQs
This verse states that the Lord, acting independently, removed the earth’s unbearable burden created by demoniac kings and their vast armies.
In the narrative of Canto 1 Chapter 16, Bhūmi-devī explains the Lord’s past protection and power, reminding Parīkṣit that the same Kṛṣṇa who relieved the earth’s burden also restored and protected him.
The verse teaches that real security comes from divine shelter: cultivate devotion, remember the Lord’s protection in adversity, and act courageously in dharma while depending on Him.