Shloka 17
Balarāma Slays the Ape Dvivida
Dvivida-vadha
द्विविदोऽपि महावीर्य: शालमुद्यम्य पाणिना । अभ्येत्य तरसा तेन बलं मूर्धन्यताडयत् ॥ १७ ॥
dvivido ’pi mahā-vīryaḥ śālam udyamya pāṇinā abhyetya tarasā tena balaṁ mūrdhany atāḍayat
महावीर्यो द्विविदोऽपि शालं पाणिनोत्पाट्य तरसा अभ्येत्य तेन बलरामं मूर्ध्नि ताडयामास॥
FAQs
This verse describes Dvivida rushing forward, lifting a śāla tree, and striking Lord Balarāma on the head, showing the demon’s aggression and the beginning of the decisive confrontation.
In the narrative of this chapter, Dvivida acts as a violent disturber of dharma and an enemy of the Yadus; his attack on Balarāma is part of his attempt to terrorize and oppose the Lord’s associates.
Material strength and aggression can appear formidable, but devotion teaches steadiness: dharma ultimately prevails when one takes shelter of the Lord and remains fearless amid intimidation.