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
भगवान श्रीकृष्णांनी भात्यातून बाण घेऊन धनुष्यावर चढवले, प्रत्यंचा ओढून तीक्ष्ण बाणांची अखंड वर्षा केली. त्या बाणांनी शत्रूंचे रथ, हत्ती, घोडे व पायदळ कोसळले; प्रभूंचा बाणवर्षाव जणू ज्वलंत अग्निचक्रासारखा भासला।
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.