Shloka 32
The Killing of Ariṣṭāsura and Kaṁsa’s Plot to Summon Kṛṣṇa
घातयिष्य इहानीतौ कालकल्पेन हस्तिना । यदि मुक्तौ ततो मल्लैर्घातये वैद्युतोपमै: ॥ ३२ ॥
ghātayiṣya ihānītau kāla-kalpena hastinā yadi muktau tato mallair ghātaye vaidyutopamaiḥ
Après que tu auras amené Kṛṣṇa et Balarāma, je les ferai tuer par mon éléphant, aussi puissant que la mort elle-même. Et si par hasard ils lui échappent, je les ferai tuer par mes lutteurs, aussi forts que la foudre.
FAQs
This verse records Kaṁsa’s intent to have Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma killed first by a deathlike elephant and, if they escape, by lightning-strong wrestlers.
In the Mathurā arena plot, Kaṁsa sets layered traps—public spectacle plus lethal force—so that even if one attempt fails, another will finish the task.
It highlights how fear and envy create escalating schemes; a devotee learns steadiness and reliance on dharma, recognizing that intimidation often comes in “multiple stages.”