Shloka 34

Yoga-māyā Appears as Durgā; Kaṁsa’s Repentance and the Demonic Policy of Persecuting Vaiṣṇavas

Devanagari script

केचित् प्राञ्जलयो दीना न्यस्तशस्त्रा दिवौकस: । मुक्तकच्छशिखा: केचिद् भीता: स्म इति वादिन: ॥ ३४ ॥

Transliteration

kecit prāñjalayo dīnā nyasta-śastrā divaukasaḥ mukta-kaccha-śikhāḥ kecid bhītāḥ sma iti vādinaḥ

Translation

പരാജിതരും ആയുധരഹിതരുമായ ചില ദേവന്മാർ ദീനമായി കൈകൂപ്പി നിന്നെ സ്തുതിച്ചു; മറ്റുചിലർ അഴുകിയ വസ്ത്രവും ചിതറിയ മുടിയുമായി മുന്നിൽ വന്ന്—“പ്രഭോ, ഞങ്ങൾ നിന്നെ അത്യന്തം ഭയപ്പെടുന്നു” എന്നു പറഞ്ഞു.

Synonyms

केचित्some (persons)

प्राञ्जलयःwith joined palms

दीनाःwretched, pitiable

न्यस्त-शस्त्राःhaving laid down their weapons

दिवौकसःthe gods (heaven-dwellers)

मुक्त-कच्छ-शिखाःwith loosened garments and hair-knots

केचित्some (others)

भीताःafraid

स्मindeed/just (particle)

इतिthus

वादिनःsaying (so), speakers

Characters & Entities

divaukasaḥ (the demigods)

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about surrendering in fear to the Supreme Lord?

This verse depicts the demigods becoming distressed and fearful, laying down weapons and offering folded hands—showing that in crisis one should abandon pride and take shelter through humble surrender.

Why are the demigods described as putting down their weapons in Canto 10 Chapter 4?

In the narrative, the heavenly beings are overwhelmed by danger and uncertainty surrounding Kaṁsa’s tyranny and the unfolding divine plan, so they express helplessness and seek protection rather than relying on force.

Practical application of this shloka in modern life—what should a devotee do when afraid?

When fear arises, reduce aggression and ego (“put down weapons”), adopt humility (folded hands), and consciously seek refuge in God through prayer, remembrance, and steady devotional practice.