Shloka 36
Parīkṣit Confronts Kali: Dharma (Bull) and Bhūmi (Cow) at the Dawn of Kali-yuga
कलिरुवाच यत्र क्व वाथ वत्स्यामि सार्वभौम तवाज्ञया । लक्षये तत्र तत्रापि त्वामात्तेषुशरासनम् ॥ ३६ ॥
kalir uvāca yatra kva vātha vatsyāmi sārva-bhauma tavājñayā lakṣaye tatra tatrāpi tvām ātteṣu-śarāsanam
กลีกล่าวว่า ข้าแต่มหาราชผู้เป็นสรรพภาวะ แม้ข้าจะพำนักที่ใดก็ตามตามพระบัญชาของพระองค์ แต่ไม่ว่าข้าจะมองไปทางไหน ก็เห็นพระองค์ทรงคันศรและลูกศรอยู่ทุกแห่ง
The personality of Kali could see that Mahārāja Parīkṣit was the emperor of all lands all over the world, and thus anywhere he might live he would have to meet with the same mood of the King. The personality of Kali was meant for mischief, and Mahārāja Parīkṣit was meant for subduing all kinds of mischief-mongers, especially the personality of Kali. It was better, therefore, for the personality of Kali to have been killed by the King then and there instead of being killed elsewhere. He was, after all, a surrendered soul before the King, and it was for the King to do what was required.
FAQs
In this verse, Kali asks King Parikshit to आदेश (command) him where he may live, admitting that wherever he looks he sees the king ready with bow and arrows—so he cannot find a place to remain.
Kali is being confronted and punished by Parikshit for attacking Dharma (the bull) and the earth (the cow). Fearing the king’s vigilance and force, Kali pleads for a designated place to stay.
Unchecked harmful tendencies (quarrel, greed, irreligion) spread when there is no firm vigilance; the verse highlights the need for clear boundaries and strong commitment to dharma to keep destructive influences from taking shelter.