Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 23
Jarāsandha’s Siege of Mathurā, Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma’s Victory, and the Founding of Dvārakā amid Kālayavana’s Threat
गृह्णन् निशङ्गादथ सन्दधच्छरान् विकृष्य मुञ्चन् शितबाणपूगान् । निघ्नन् रथान् कुञ्जरवाजिपत्तीन् निरन्तरं यद्वदलातचक्रम् ॥ २३ ॥
gṛhṇan niśaṅgād atha sandadhac charān vikṛṣya muñcan śita-bāṇa-pūgān nighnan rathān kuñjara-vāji-pattīn nirantaraṁ yadvad alāta-cakram
主シュリー・クリシュナは矢筒から矢を取り、弓に番え、弦を引き絞って、鋭い矢の雨を絶え間なく放たれた。それは敵の戦車・象・馬・歩兵を打ち倒し、主の矢放ちは燃えさかる火の輪のように見えた。
FAQs
The verse describes Kālayaavana (the Yavana king) rapidly taking arrows from his quiver, shooting them in volleys, and cutting down chariots, elephants, horses, and infantry while issuing continuous commands.
In Canto 10, Chapter 50, Śukadeva Gosvāmī narrates the Yavana invasion of Mathurā. This verse highlights the intensity and organization of Kālayaavana’s assault, setting the stage for Kṛṣṇa’s strategy that ultimately leads to Mucukunda’s deliverance.
The verse shows how aggressive, well-coordinated worldly power can appear overwhelming; a devotee learns to seek Kṛṣṇa’s guidance and protection rather than relying solely on external strength or panic in crisis.