JAPA TIME — Krishna breaks the sacrificial bow in Mathura — the Lord shatters the pride of Kamsa’s power

Pramāṇa (Śāstra reference)

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 43 — after entering Mathura, Lord Krishna goes to the place where the great sacrificial bow is kept. Though guarded and feared by all, He lifts it effortlessly, strings it, and breaks it in the middle like an elephant breaking a stalk of sugarcane.

Saṅkṣepa (short meaning)

This lila reveals the effortless supremacy of Lord Krishna. The great bow, preserved for Kamsa’s ceremony and protected by powerful guards, represents the pride, fear, and false security of demonic rule. Krishna does not struggle against it. With natural ease He lifts it, bends it, and breaks it. The sound of the bow resounds through earth and sky, announcing that the tyranny of Kamsa is nearing its end. The lila teaches that what appears invincible to the world is nothing before the will of Bhagavan.

Śāstra-pramāṇa (key points from the text)

Krishna and Balarama enter Mathura

Krishna and Balarama enter Mathura and go to see the great sacrificial bow arranged by Kamsa.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 43)

The bow is guarded

The bow is heavily guarded and regarded as a royal and fearsome object.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 43)

Krishna lifts and strings it

Krishna takes the bow in His left hand, strings it, and bends it with complete ease.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 43)

The bow breaks

He breaks the bow in the middle, and the sound shakes the earth, sky, and the hearts of those opposed to Him.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 43)

The guards are subdued

The guards rush against Krishna and Balarama, and the Lord subdues them.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 43)

Tattva (essential teaching) — with śāstra

Krishna’s power is effortless

Krishna’s power is natural and effortless; He does not become great by struggle, for greatness eternally belongs to Him.

Material domination collapses

The symbols of material domination and oppression collapse when confronted by the Lord.

Fear cannot preserve false power

What demonic power tries to preserve through fear, the Lord shatters in a moment.

Adharma cannot stand forever

The breaking of the bow is not only a display of strength, but an announcement that adharma cannot stand forever before Bhagavan.

Sevā today (practice for this day)

1. Pray for pride and fear to break

Chant one attentive round praying, “O Krishna, please break the hard bow of pride and fear within my heart.”

2. See false support clearly

Reflect on one false support in your life that gives you material confidence but draws you away from dependence on the Lord.

3. Remember the Lord’s power

Remember that the Lord can remove in one moment what seems impossible to overcome by your own effort.

What appears invincible to the world is nothing before the will of Bhagavan.

— Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 43

How to use this darśanam page

View the image, read the narration and śāstra-pramāṇa, contemplate the tattva, and complete the practice through seva. Follow the sequence: darśana → śravaṇa → manana → seva.