Shloka 22
Paugaṇḍa Cowherding, Tālavana, the Slaying of Dhenukāsura, and Revival from Poisoned Yamunā Water
फलानि तत्र भूरीणि पतन्ति पतितानि च । सन्ति किन्त्ववरुद्धानि धेनुकेन दुरात्मना ॥ २२ ॥
phalāni tatra bhūrīṇi patanti patitāni ca santi kintv avaruddhāni dhenukena durātmanā
Di hutan itu banyak buah jatuh dari pokok, dan banyak juga sudah terletak di tanah. Namun semuanya dihalang dan dijaga oleh Dhenuka yang berhati jahat.
The demon Dhenuka would not allow anyone to eat the delicious ripe palm fruits of the Tālavana, and Kṛṣṇa’s young boyfriends protested this unjust usurpation of the right to enjoy the fruits of a public forest.
FAQs
This verse states that although abundant fruits were available and even falling to the ground, they were effectively forbidden because the wicked Dhenuka kept them blocked off and guarded.
He highlights the narrative tension: the bounty of the forest is present, but access is prevented by Dhenuka’s oppressive control—setting the stage for Krishna and Balarama’s intervention.
Even when good opportunities exist, harmful influences can obstruct them; the verse encourages removing negative obstacles and seeking divine help and right association to access what is truly beneficial.