Shloka 3
Pauṇḍraka’s False Vāsudeva Claim, His Death, and the Burning of Vārāṇasī by Sudarśana
दूतं च प्राहिणोन्मन्द: कृष्णायाव्यक्तवर्त्मने । द्वारकायां यथा बालो नृपो बालकृतोऽबुध: ॥ ३ ॥
dūtaṁ ca prāhiṇon mandaḥ kṛṣṇāyāvyakta-vartmane dvārakāyāṁ yathā bālo nṛpo bāla-kṛto ’budhaḥ
于是，这个愚钝的波温德罗迦竟在德瓦尔迦派使者去见行迹难测的主奎师那；他就像一个无知孩童，被别的孩子戏弄着假扮国王一般。
According to Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura, the reason Śukadeva Gosvāmī here mentions for the second time that Pauṇḍraka sent a message to Lord Kṛṣṇa is that the great sage is astonished at Pauṇḍraka’s extreme foolishness.
FAQs
It means Kṛṣṇa’s ways and movements are beyond ordinary material understanding—His actions cannot be fully grasped by those who judge Him with mundane logic.
In his delusion and pride, Pauṇḍraka challenged Kṛṣṇa and tried to assert a false identity; this verse highlights the foolishness behind sending such a message to the Supreme Lord.
It warns against ego-driven decisions and bad counsel—when pride blinds intelligence, one may challenge realities far greater than oneself; humility and discernment protect one from self-made ruin.