Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 25
Kāliya-damana: Kṛṣṇa Subdues the Serpent and Purifies the Yamunā
तं जिह्वया द्विशिखया परिलेलिहानं द्वे सृक्वणी ह्यतिकरालविषाग्निदृष्टिम् । क्रीडन्नमुं परिससार यथा खगेन्द्रो बभ्राम सोऽप्यवसरं प्रसमीक्षमाण: ॥ २५ ॥
taṁ jihvayā dvi-śikhayā parilelihānaṁ dve sṛkvaṇī hy ati-karāla-viṣāgni-dṛṣṭim krīḍann amuṁ parisasāra yathā khagendro babhrāma so ’py avasaraṁ prasamīkṣamāṇaḥ
Paulit-ulit na dinilaan ni Kāliya ang kanyang mga labi gamit ang dila niyang hati sa dalawa, at tinitigan si Kṛṣṇa na may titig na tila nakalalasong apoy. Ngunit si Kṛṣṇa ay masayang umikot sa kanya gaya ni Garuḍa na nakikipaglaro sa ahas; si Kāliya naman ay gumalaw-galaw, naghahanap ng pagkakataong kumagat sa Panginoon.
Lord Kṛṣṇa moved around the serpent so skillfully that Kāliya could find no opportunity to bite Him. Thus the snake was defeated by Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental agility.
FAQs
This verse depicts Kṛṣṇa fearlessly and playfully circling the serpent, showing divine mastery over deadly danger while Kāliya searches for a chance to strike.
Garuḍa is invoked as the classic serpent-subduer; the comparison highlights Kṛṣṇa’s effortless supremacy, as He moves like the ‘king of birds’ around a snake.
Like Kāliya looking for an opportunity, harmful habits and negativity seek openings; steady remembrance of Kṛṣṇa and disciplined attention help close those openings and remain protected.