Shloka 30
Chapter 54
ततो रथादवप्लुत्य खड्गपाणिर्जिघांसया ।
कृष्णमभ्यद्रवत्क्रुद्धः पतङ्ग इव पावकम् ॥
tato rathād avaplutya khaḍga-pāṇir jighāṃsayā / kṛṣṇam abhyadravat kruddhaḥ pataṅga iva pāvakam //
ਫਿਰ ਉਹ ਰਥ ਤੋਂ ਛਾਲ ਮਾਰ ਕੇ ਹੇਠਾਂ ਉਤਰਿਆ, ਹੱਥ ਵਿੱਚ ਤਲਵਾਰ ਲੈ ਕੇ, ਮਾਰ ਦੇਣ ਦੀ ਨੀਅਤ ਨਾਲ ਕ੍ਰੋਧਿਤ ਹੋ ਕੇ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਵੱਲ ਦੌੜਿਆ—ਜਿਵੇਂ ਪਤੰਗਾ ਭੜਕਦੀ ਅੱਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੈ ਜਾਵੇ।
The Bhagavatam uses a vivid simile to reveal the psychology of envy toward the Divine. The attacker abandons the safety of his chariot and charges forward with a sword, driven by jighāṃsā—murderous intent. Yet the comparison is decisive: like a moth drawn to flame, the conditioned soul, bewildered by passion and hatred, runs toward its own destruction. Krishna is not merely a powerful opponent; He is the supreme, invincible reality. Approaching Him with aggression is self-defeating, because the Lord is the ultimate controller and the protector of righteousness. Devotionally, this verse warns against aparādha (offensive mentality) and the intoxication of anger. It also comforts devotees: even when threats appear immediate and violent, Krishna’s position is like fire—no one can harm Him, and those who attack Him are consumed by the consequences of their own hostility.
FAQs
It means an enraged attacker, blinded by passion and envy, rushes toward inevitable ruin—just as a moth flies into fire—because Krishna is unconquerable.
Driven by jighāṃsā (the intent to kill) and anger, he chose direct assault—yet the Bhagavatam frames it as reckless, self-destructive aggression against the Lord.
It cautions against acting from anger and envy; instead, cultivate humility and devotion, remembering that hostility toward dharma brings suffering to oneself.