Shloka 21
Kṛṣṇa Leads Kālayavana to Mucukunda; The Yavana Is Burned; Mucukunda’s Prayers and Boon of Bhakti
एवमुक्त: स वै देवानभिवन्द्य महायशा: । अशयिष्ट गुहाविष्टो निद्रया देवदत्तया ॥ २१ ॥
evam uktaḥ sa vai devān abhivandya mahā-yaśāḥ aśayiṣṭa guhā-viṣṭo nidrayā deva-dattayā
ഇങ്ങനെ പറയപ്പെട്ടപ്പോൾ മഹായശസ്സുള്ള മുചുകുന്ദ രാജാവ് ദേവന്മാരെ വന്ദിച്ച് ഒരു ഗുഹയിൽ പ്രവേശിച്ചു; ദേവദത്തമായ നിദ്രയിൽ ശയിച്ചു।
Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura gives the following lines from an alternate reading of this chapter. These lines are to be inserted between the two halves of this verse:
FAQs
This verse states that, after honoring the demigods, King Mucukunda entered a cave and slept by a divinely granted sleep (deva-dattā nidrā), showing how celestial boons can shape a devotee’s destiny within Krishna’s pastimes.
Having been instructed and blessed by the demigods, Mucukunda respectfully took shelter of a cave and accepted the god-given sleep, which later becomes pivotal in the narrative leading to his encounter connected with Krishna’s līlā.
The verse highlights humility and gratitude—offering respect before receiving or using any facility—encouraging us to acknowledge guidance, act responsibly, and accept periods of rest or withdrawal as purposeful when aligned with dharma.