Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 15
The Disappearance of the Yadu Dynasty and Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Departure
पतत्पताकै रथकुञ्जरादिभि: खरोष्ट्रगोभिर्महिषैर्नरैरपि । मिथ: समेत्याश्वतरै: सुदुर्मदा न्यहन्शरैर्दद्भिरिव द्विपा वने ॥ १५ ॥
patat-patākai ratha-kuñjarādibhiḥ kharoṣṭra-gobhir mahiṣair narair api mithaḥ sametyāśvataraiḥ su-durmadā nyahan śarair dadbhir iva dvipā vane
Montés sur des éléphants et des chars aux drapeaux flottants, ainsi que sur des ânes, des chameaux, des taureaux, des buffles, des mules et même des êtres humains, les guerriers extrêmement enragés s'affrontèrent et s'attaquèrent violemment avec des flèches, tout comme des éléphants dans la forêt s'attaquent avec leurs défenses.
FAQs
In 11.30.15, Śukadeva describes the Yadus becoming violently maddened and attacking one another with weapons and even like elephants goring in a forest—showing the self-destruction that occurred as part of the Lord’s arrangement for His concluding pastimes on earth.
The comparison highlights uncontrolled rage and intoxication: just as elephants in rut fight blindly, the Yadus—overpowered by destiny and internal strife—lost restraint and devastated one another.
The verse warns that pride and intoxication (of power, status, or anger) destroy even the strongest community; cultivating humility, self-control, and devotion protects one from self-sabotaging conflict.