Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 28
Vidura Leaves Hastināpura and Meets Uddhava
Vidura’s Tīrtha-yātrā Begins
कच्चिद्वरूथाधिपतिर्यदूनां प्रद्युम्न आस्ते सुखमङ्ग वीर: । यं रुक्मिणी भगवतोऽभिलेभे आराध्य विप्रान् स्मरमादिसर्गे ॥ २८ ॥
kaccid varūthādhipatir yadūnāṁ pradyumna āste sukham aṅga vīraḥ yaṁ rukmiṇī bhagavato ’bhilebhe ārādhya viprān smaram ādi-sarge
O Uddhava, pakisabi: kumusta si Pradyumna, ang matapang na punong-kumandante ng mga Yadu? Siya ang Smara (Kāmadeva) sa unang paglikha; si Rukmiṇī, sa pagpapasaya sa mga brāhmaṇa sa pamamagitan ng pagsamba, ay tumanggap sa kanya bilang anak mula kay Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa sa bisa ng kanilang biyaya.
According to Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, Smara (Cupid, or Kāmadeva) is one of the eternal associates of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Jīva Gosvāmī has explained this very elaborately in his treatise Kṛṣṇa-sandarbha.
FAQs
In this verse, Pradyumna is described as the varūthādhipati—the military commander of the Yadus—and as the son of Bhagavān (Śrī Kṛṣṇa) obtained by Rukmiṇī. The verse highlights both his royal role and his divine identity connected with Smara (Cupid).
Vidura is inquiring from Uddhava about the well-being of Kṛṣṇa’s relatives and associates in Dvārakā. Asking about Pradyumna specifically shows Vidura’s concern for the Yadu leaders and Kṛṣṇa’s family after major events in the Lord’s pastimes.
It emphasizes honoring and pleasing saintly brāhmaṇas and devotees (viprān ārādhya) and valuing dharmic leadership—strength guided by devotion and proper conduct.