Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 10
Yamarāja Instructs the Yamadūtas: Supreme Authority, Mahājanas, and the Glory of the Holy Name
तांस्ते वेदितुमिच्छामो यदि नो मन्यसे क्षमम् । नारायणेत्यभिहिते मा भैरित्याययुर्द्रुतम् ॥ १० ॥
tāṁs te veditum icchāmo yadi no manyase kṣamam nārāyaṇety abhihite mā bhair ity āyayur drutam
もし私たちに理解できるとお認めくださるなら、彼らが誰であるかを知りたいのです。アジャーミラが「ナーラーヤナ」と名を唱えるや、あの四人はただちに来て「恐れるな、恐れるな」と彼を安心させました。どうか彼らの正体をお示しください。
The order carriers of Yamarāja, being very much aggrieved because of their defeat by the four Viṣṇudūtas, wanted to bring them before Yamarāja and, if possible, punish them. Otherwise they desired to commit suicide. Before pursuing either course, however, they wanted to know about the Viṣṇudūtas from Yamarāja, who is also omniscient.
FAQs
This verse states that when ‘Nārāyaṇa’ was uttered, the divine messengers of Viṣṇu immediately arrived and assured, “Do not fear,” indicating the holy name’s protective power.
In the Ajāmila episode, the Yamadūtas were obstructed by the Viṣṇudūtas; astonished by their authority, they returned to their lord to understand who these beings were and why the holy name invoked such protection.
Regularly remember and chant the Lord’s names—especially in moments of anxiety—cultivating faith that sincere nāma-smaraṇa brings inner fearlessness and spiritual protection.