Shloka 21
Kṛṣṇa Arrives at Kuṇḍina and Abducts Rukmiṇī
Rukmiṇī-haraṇa Prelude
श्रुत्वैतद् भगवान् रामो विपक्षीयनृपोद्यमम् । कृष्णं चैकं गतं हर्तुं कन्यां कलहशङ्कित: ॥ २० ॥ बलेन महता सार्धं भ्रातृस्नेहपरिप्लुत: । त्वरित: कुण्डिनं प्रागाद् गजाश्वरथपत्तिभि: ॥ २१ ॥
śrutvaitad bhagavān rāmo vipakṣīya nṛpodyamam kṛṣṇaṁ caikaṁ gataṁ hartuṁ kanyāṁ kalaha-śaṅkitaḥ
En apprenant les préparatifs des rois ennemis et en sachant que Kṛṣṇa était parti seul pour enlever la fiancée, le Seigneur Balarāma craignit qu’un combat n’éclate. Submergé d’affection pour son frère, il se hâta vers Kuṇḍina avec une puissante armée : fantassins, et soldats sur éléphants, chevaux et chars.
FAQs
This verse shows Balarāma as the protective elder brother, alert to the enemy’s preparations and concerned that Kṛṣṇa going alone could trigger a battle.
Because the opposing kings were mobilizing, and Kṛṣṇa’s plan to take Rukmiṇī could provoke immediate conflict; Balarāma anticipated a clash and prepared to support Him.
Act with devotion and courage, but also with foresight—responsible protectors anticipate risks and prepare support so that dharmic actions are not derailed by avoidable conflict.