Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 29
Devas in Dvārakā, Brahmā’s Petition, and Uddhava’s Appeal
Prabhāsa Departure Set-Up
तदिदं यादवकुलं वीर्यशौर्यश्रियोद्धतम् । लोकं जिघृक्षद् रुद्धं मे वेलयेव महार्णव: ॥ २९ ॥
tad idaṁ yādava-kulaṁ vīrya-śaurya-śriyoddhatam lokaṁ jighṛkṣad ruddhaṁ me velayeva mahārṇavaḥ
Cette dynastie Yadu, dans laquelle Je suis apparu, s'est grandement enorgueillie de son opulence, et surtout de sa force physique et de son courage, au point de menacer de dévorer le monde entier. C'est pourquoi Je les ai arrêtés, tout comme le rivage retient le grand océan.
The heroes of the Yadu dynasty were so powerful that even the demigods could not check them. The enthusiasm of the Yadus was unlimitedly increased by their victories in dangerous battles, and they could not be killed. Due to their martial spirit they naturally desired to establish their power over the whole world; therefore the Lord checked them and withdrew them from the earth.
FAQs
This verse explains that when strength, valor, and opulence make a community arrogant, it develops a conquering mentality; Kṛṣṇa compares such unchecked pride to an ocean that must be contained, implying inevitable correction by divine arrangement.
Kṛṣṇa is indicating to His devotee (in this chapter’s context, Uddhava) that the Yādavas’ swelling pride and aggression have reached a dangerous limit, and that He will restrain and conclude their earthly role through imminent events.
When success increases, cultivate humility and self-restraint; otherwise, ambition can turn into domination. The verse advises setting ethical boundaries—like a shoreline—to keep power from becoming destructive.