Shloka 12
Jarā’s Account and the Enthronement of Jarāsandha (जरासंधोत्पत्तिः अभिषेकश्च)
कृष्ण उवाच शृणु राजन् जरासंधो यद्दीर्यो यत्पराक्रम: । यथा चोपेक्षितो<स्माभिबहुश: कृतविप्रिय:
kṛṣṇa uvāca śṛṇu rājan jarāsandho yad vīryo yat parākramaḥ | yathā copīkṣito ’smābhir bahuśaḥ kṛtavipriyaḥ ||
Krishna said: “Listen, O King. I shall tell you what Jarāsandha’s might and valor are like, and also why we have repeatedly overlooked him—even though he has often acted against our interests and caused us harm.”
कृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames an ethical-political reflection: even when an adversary repeatedly causes harm, a ruler may choose strategic forbearance and restraint, weighing power, timing, and broader dharmic aims rather than reacting impulsively.
Krishna addresses a king and introduces an explanation about Jarāsandha—describing his strength and valor and clarifying why Krishna and his allies had long tolerated or overlooked Jarāsandha despite his repeated hostile actions.