Shloka 7
Uddhava Recalls Kṛṣṇa’s Mission: Earth’s Burden, Royal Dharma, and the Prelude to Dvārakā’s Withdrawal
तत्राहृतास्ता नरदेवकन्या: कुजेन दृष्ट्वा हरिमार्तबन्धुम् । उत्थाय सद्यो जगृहु: प्रहर्ष- व्रीडानुरागप्रहितावलोकै: ॥ ७ ॥
tatrāhṛtās tā nara-deva-kanyāḥ kujena dṛṣṭvā harim ārta-bandhum utthāya sadyo jagṛhuḥ praharṣa- vrīḍānurāga-prahitāvalokaiḥ
There, in the demon’s house, the royal maidens abducted by Narakāsura rose at once upon seeing Hari, the friend of the distressed. With glances offered in joy, shyness, and loving longing, they looked upon Him, ready to accept Him as their husband.
Narakāsura kidnapped many daughters of great kings and kept them imprisoned in his palace. But when he was killed by the Lord and the Lord entered the house of the demon, all the princesses were enlivened with joy and offered to become His wives because the Lord is the only friend of the distressed. Unless the Lord accepted them, there would be no chance of their being married because the demon kidnapped them from their fathers’ custody and therefore no one would agree to marry them. According to Vedic society, girls are transferred from the custody of the father to the custody of the husband. Since these princesses had already been taken away from the custody of their fathers, it would have been difficult for them to have any husband other than the Lord Himself.
FAQs
In this verse, 'ārta-bandhu' describes Lord Hari as the sure refuge of those who suffer—He responds to the helpless with protection and deliverance.
Because they recognized Kṛṣṇa as their rescuer and divine protector; their natural devotion expressed itself through joyful, shy, and affectionate glances and respectful reception.
It teaches taking shelter of Hari in difficulty—remembering Him, seeking His guidance, and trusting His protection rather than surrendering to fear or hopelessness.