Shloka 11

Kṛṣṇa’s Arrival at Dvārakā

Dvārakā-praveśa and Bhakta-vātsalya

Devanagari script

मधुभोजदशार्हार्हकुकुरान्धकवृष्णिभि: । आत्मतुल्यबलैर्गुप्तां नागैर्भोगवतीमिव ॥ ११ ॥

Transliteration

madhu-bhoja-daśārhārha- kukurāndhaka-vṛṣṇibhiḥ ātma-tulya-balair guptāṁ nāgair bhogavatīm iva

Translation

De même que Bhogavatī, capitale de Nāgaloka, est gardée par les Nāgas, ainsi Dvārakā était protégée par les descendants des Vṛṣṇi—Bhoja, Madhu, Daśārha, Arha, Kukura, Andhaka et autres—dont la force égalait celle de Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

Synonyms

• madhu-bhoja-daśārha-arha-kukura-andhaka-vṛṣṇibhiḥ: by the Madhu, Bhoja, Daśārha, Arha, Kukura, Andhaka and Vṛṣṇi (clans)
• madhu-bhoja-daśārha-arha-kukura-andhaka-vṛṣṇibhiḥ: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: madhu (प्रातिपदिक) + bhoja (प्रातिपदिक) + daśārha (प्रातिपदिक) + arha (प्रातिपदिक) + kukura (प्रातिपदिक) + andhaka (प्रातिपदिक) + vṛṣṇi (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (3rd), बहुवचन; इतरेतर-द्वन्द्व: various clans 'by the Madhus, Bhojas, Daśārhas, Arhas, Kukuras, Andhakas, Vṛṣṇis'

• ātma-tulya-balaiḥ: with strength equal (to their own/each other)
• ātma-tulya-balaiḥ: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: ātman (प्रातिपदिक) + tulya (प्रातिपदिक) + bala (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (3rd), बहुवचन; समास: 'ātmanā tulyam balam yeṣām' (having strength equal to oneself/each other) used adjectivally with the clans

• guptām: protected
• guptām: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: guptā (कृदन्त; √gup)
• Form: भूतकृदन्त (PPP), स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन; agrees with bhogavatīm (implicit 'purīm')

• nāgaiḥ: by serpents
• nāgaiḥ: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: nāga (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (3rd), बहुवचन

• bhogavatīm: Bhogavatī (city)
• bhogavatīm: Upameya (उपमेय)
• Type: Noun
• Root: bhogavatī (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन; (city) Bhogavatī

• iva: like
• iva: Upamā (उपमा)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: iva (अव्यय)
• Form: उपमावाचक-अव्यय (comparative particle)

Purport

The Nāgaloka planet is situated below the earth planet, and it is understood that the sun rays are hampered there. The darkness of the planet is, however, removed by the flashes of the jewels set on the heads of the Nāgas (celestial serpents), and it is said that there are beautiful gardens, rivulets, etc., for the enjoyment of the Nāgas. It is understood here also that the place is well protected by the inhabitants. So also the city of Dvārakā was well protected by the descendants of Vṛṣṇi, who were as powerful as the Lord, insofar as He manifested His strength upon this earth.

Characters & Entities

• Kṛṣṇa
• Madhu
• Bhoja
• Daśārha
• Arha
• Kukura
• Andhaka
• Vṛṣṇi

FAQs

Why is Dvārakā compared to Bhogavatī in the Srimad Bhagavatam?

Because Dvārakā was intensely well-guarded—just as Bhogavatī is said to be protected by powerful Nāgas—indicating an almost impenetrable divine security around Kṛṣṇa’s city.

Who is speaking Bhagavatam 1.11.11 and to whom?

Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks this verse to Mahārāja Parīkṣit while narrating Kṛṣṇa’s return and entry into Dvārakā.

What is the practical lesson from Bhagavatam 1.11.11 for modern life?

Strong protection comes from unity around dharma: when devoted, capable people cooperate in service to the Lord, a community becomes stable, safe, and spiritually flourishing.