Shloka 12
Jarā’s Account and the Enthronement of Jarāsandha (जरासंधोत्पत्तिः अभिषेकश्च)
कृष्ण उवाच शृणु राजन् जरासंधो यद्दीर्यो यत्पराक्रम: । यथा चोपेक्षितो<स्माभिबहुश: कृतविप्रिय:
kṛṣṇa uvāca śṛṇu rājan jarāsandho yad vīryo yat parākramaḥ | yathā copīkṣito ’smābhir bahuśaḥ kṛtavipriyaḥ ||
कृष्ण उवाच— शृणु राजन् जरासन्धो यद्वीर्यो यत्पराक्रमः। यथा चोपेक्षितोऽस्माभिर्बहुशः कृतविप्रियः॥
कृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames an ethical-political reflection: even when an adversary repeatedly causes harm, a ruler may choose strategic forbearance and restraint, weighing power, timing, and broader dharmic aims rather than reacting impulsively.
Krishna addresses a king and introduces an explanation about Jarāsandha—describing his strength and valor and clarifying why Krishna and his allies had long tolerated or overlooked Jarāsandha despite his repeated hostile actions.