Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 4
Jarāsandha’s Siege of Mathurā, Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma’s Victory, and the Founding of Dvārakā amid Kālayavana’s Threat
अक्षौहिणीभिर्विंशत्या तिसृभिश्चापि संवृत: । यदुराजधानीं मथुरां न्यरुधत् सर्वतोदिशम् ॥ ४ ॥
akṣauhiṇībhir viṁśatyā tisṛbhiś cāpi saṁvṛtaḥ yadu-rājadhānīṁ mathurāṁ nyarudhat sarvato diśam
Taglay ang dalawampu't tatlong pangkat na akṣauhiṇī, kinubkob niya ang kabiserang Yadu na Mathurā mula sa lahat ng panig.
The numbers involved in an akṣauhiṇī division are given in the word meanings. An akṣauhiṇī was a standard fighting force in ancient times.
FAQs
This verse states that Mathurā, the Yadus’ royal capital, was surrounded on all sides by twenty-three akṣauhiṇīs, indicating a total military blockade.
In the chapter’s narrative, Śukadeva describes Jarāsandha’s massive forces encircling Mathurā to attack the Yadus and oppose Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s presence there.
Even when circumstances feel “encircled from all sides,” the Bhagavatam’s narrative encourages steadiness and reliance on dharma and divine guidance rather than panic.