Shloka 6
Parīkṣit’s Inquiry into Vṛtrāsura’s Bhakti and the Beginning of Citraketu’s Trial
वृत्रस्तु स कथं पाप: सर्वलोकोपतापन: । इत्थं दृढमति: कृष्ण आसीत्सङ्ग्राम उल्बणे ॥ ६ ॥
vṛtras tu sa kathaṁ pāpaḥ sarva-lokopatāpanaḥ itthaṁ dṛḍha-matiḥ kṛṣṇa āsīt saṅgrāma ulbaṇe
ਵ੍ਰਿਤ੍ਰਾਸੁਰ ਤਾਂ ਪਾਪੀ ਅਤੇ ਸਭ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਤਕਲੀਫ਼ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਸੀ; ਫਿਰ ਭਿਆਨਕ ਯੁੱਧ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਮਤਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੰਨੀ ਦ੍ਰਿੜ੍ਹ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ ਗਈ?
It has been described that a nārāyaṇa-parāyaṇa, a pure devotee, is rarely found even among millions and millions of persons. Therefore Parīkṣit Mahārāja was surprised that Vṛtrāsura, whose purpose was to give trouble and anxiety to others, was one of these devotees, even on a battlefield. What was the reason for Vṛtrāsura’s advancement?
FAQs
This verse raises the key doubt: although Vṛtrāsura appeared as a tormentor of the worlds, Śukadeva points to his unwavering inner resolve in battle—setting up the teaching that external role does not alone determine spiritual status.
“Kṛṣṇa” is used as an address to Parīkṣit (a descendant of the Kuru line), in affectionate direct speech while narrating the intense battle context.
Cultivate steadiness of purpose in spiritual life—especially during conflict and adversity—because inner determination and consciousness are central to one’s progress, beyond outward circumstances.