Shloka 40
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rājasūya Resolve and the Slaying of Jarāsandha
शत्रोर्जन्ममृती विद्वाञ्जीवितं च जराकृतम् । पार्थमाप्याययन् स्वेन तेजसाचिन्तयद्धरि: ॥ ४० ॥
śatror janma-mṛtī vidvāñ jīvitaṁ ca jarā-kṛtam pārtham āpyāyayan svena tejasācintayad dhariḥ
शत्रोर्जन्ममृती विद्वाञ्जीवितं च जराकृतम् । पार्थमाप्याययन् स्वेन तेजसाचिन्तयद्धरिः ॥
Śrīla Prabhupāda writes that Lord Kṛṣṇa “knew the mystery of the birth of Jarāsandha. Jarāsandha was born in two different parts from two different mothers. When his father saw that the baby was useless, he threw the two parts in the forest, where they were later found by a black-hearted witch named Jarā. She managed to join the two parts of the baby from top to bottom. Knowing this, Lord Kṛṣṇa therefore also knew how to kill him.”
FAQs
This verse portrays Hari (Kṛṣṇa) as fully aware of an enemy’s destined birth and death and able to restore His devotee by His own spiritual potency, showing His supreme governance over destiny.
In the Jarāsandha episode (Canto 10, Chapter 72), Kṛṣṇa safeguards His devotee and prepares him for the next step in the mission against Jarāsandha, demonstrating divine protection and strategic guidance.
Rely on Bhagavān’s protection while doing one’s duty: the verse encourages faith that Kṛṣṇa can restore strength and clarity when challenges arise, especially when one acts in service and righteousness.