Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 18
Balarāma Slays the Ape Dvivida
Dvivida-vadha
तं तु सङ्कर्षणो मूर्ध्नि पतन्तमचलो यथा । प्रतिजग्राह बलवान् सुनन्देनाहनच्च तम् ॥ १८ ॥
taṁ tu saṅkarṣaṇo mūrdhni patantam acalo yathā pratijagrāha balavān sunandenāhanac ca tam
然而主桑卡尔沙那如山岳般不动；他接住落向头顶的木干，继而以名为“苏难陀”的神杵击打德维维达。
FAQs
This verse portrays Saṅkarṣaṇa (Balarāma) as effortlessly overpowering Dvivida—catching his attack and then subduing him with His mace—showing divine, protective strength used to restore dharma.
In the narrative, Dvivida terrorized the people and disrupted righteous order; Balarāma intervenes as the Lord’s protector to end the demon’s violence and reestablish peace.
It teaches that real strength is used to protect others and stop harm—cultivating courage, self-control, and readiness to stand for dharma when injustice threatens the innocent.