Shloka 20
The Slaying of Narakāsura (Bhaumāsura), Rescue of the Princesses, and the Pārijāta Episode Begins
दृष्ट्वा विद्रावितं सैन्यं गरुडेनार्दितं स्वकं । तं भौम: प्राहरच्छक्त्या वज्र: प्रतिहतो यत: । नाकम्पत तया विद्धो मालाहत इव द्विप: ॥ २० ॥
dṛṣṭvā vidrāvitaṁ sainyaṁ garuḍenārditaṁ svakaṁ taṁ bhaumaḥ prāharac chaktyā vajraḥ pratihato yataḥ nākampata tayā viddho mālāhata iva dvipaḥ
Al ver a su ejército dispersado y atormentado por Garuḍa, Bhauma lo atacó con una lanza que antaño había detenido el rayo de Indra; pero, aunque herido, Garuḍa no se estremeció, como un elefante golpeado por una guirnalda de flores.
FAQs
This verse describes Garuḍa as so steady and formidable that even when Bhauma strikes him with a śakti-weapon, he does not tremble—illustrating the fearlessness that comes from serving the Supreme Lord.
After seeing his own forces scattered by Garuḍa, Bhaumāsura tried to counter Garuḍa directly with a powerful weapon, but Garuḍa remained unaffected, showing the futility of opposing the Lord’s associates.
Steadiness in dharma and devotion brings inner strength: when one is aligned with divine service, external attacks—insults, fear, or setbacks—lose their power to shake the mind.