Shloka 23
Purañjana Captivated by Lust; Time (Caṇḍavega) and Old Age (Kālakanyā) Begin the Siege
ततो विहतसङ्कल्पा कन्यका यवनेश्वरम् । मयोपदिष्टमासाद्य वव्रे नाम्ना भयं पतिम् ॥ २३ ॥
tato vihata-saṅkalpā kanyakā yavaneśvaram mayopadiṣṭam āsādya vavre nāmnā bhayaṁ patim
ततो मया विहतसङ्कल्पा सा कन्यका मयोपदिष्टं यवनेश्वरं नाम्ना भयं समासाद्य तं पतिं वव्रे॥
Being the most perfect Vaiṣṇava, Śrī Nārada Muni is always willing to do good to others, even to one who curses him. Although Kālakanyā, the daughter of Time, was refused by Nārada Muni, she was given a shelter. Of course no one could give her shelter, but a Vaiṣṇava gives shelter somewhere to such an unfortunate girl. When jarā, or old age, attacks, everyone dwindles and deteriorates. In one stroke Nārada Muni gave shelter to Kālakanyā and counterattacked the ordinary karmīs. If one accepts the instructions of Nārada Muni, the ocean of fear ( bhaya ) can be very quickly removed by the grace of that great Vaiṣṇava.
FAQs
In this allegory, Bhaya (Fear) is the personified force that accompanies material life—especially as time, old age, and insecurity overtake one who is attached to worldly plans.
Her plan is frustrated, so—following the guidance given to her—she goes to the Yavana king and accepts Bhaya (Fear), indicating how fear becomes a “companion” when one remains bound to material identity.
When worldly schemes fail, fear often rises; the Bhagavatam’s remedy is to shift one’s shelter from changing circumstances to steady devotional remembrance and spiritual priorities.