JAPA TIME — Kṛṣṇa grants Bāṇāsura mercy at Śiva’s request

Pramāṇa (Śāstra reference)

This scene concludes Bāṇāsura-yuddha-līlā. On learning from Nārada that Aniruddha had been captured, the Vṛṣṇis travelled to Śoṇitapura (SB 10.63.2). During the battle Kṛṣṇa cut Bāṇāsura’s arms with His Sudarśana disc, and Śiva approached the Lord out of compassion for his devotee (10.63.33). Śiva appeals for mercy (10.63.45), and Kṛṣṇa accepts his request (10.63.46). The Lord also recalls His promise to Prahlāda not to kill his descendants (10.63.47). In verses 48–49 He explains that He has humbled Bāṇāsura’s pride and left him four arms; Bāṇa is promised freedom from fear, old age and death, and a place among Śiva’s principal attendants. The illustration presents this assurance before Bāṇa touches his head to the ground in verse 50. Standing poses, gestures, sunlight and architecture are artistic choices. Kṛṣṇa’s royal appearance with a peacock feather and Śiva’s traditional attributes belong to iconography, not a list of visual details supplied by these verses.

Saṅkṣepa (short meaning)

The battle at Śoṇitapura ends in mercy. Śiva asks Kṛṣṇa to spare his devotee Bāṇāsura, and the Lord accepts the appeal. He remembers His promise to Prahlāda not to kill his descendants. Bāṇa’s pride has been humbled, but his life is preserved. He retains four arms and can now look forward to serving beside Śiva, free from his former fear.

Śāstra-pramāṇa (key points from the text)

A journey for Aniruddha

Nārada reports Aniruddha’s capture, and the Vṛṣṇis set out for Śoṇitapura (10.63.2).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.63.2)

Śiva’s compassion

Seeing Bāṇa’s distress, Śiva approaches Kṛṣṇa and asks Him to show mercy to his devotee (10.63.33, 45).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.63.33)

The Lord’s reply

Kṛṣṇa respectfully accepts Śiva’s appeal and recalls His promise to Prahlāda (10.63.46–47).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.63.46)

Four remaining arms

Kṛṣṇa explains that He has subdued Bāṇa’s pride. Bāṇa retains four arms and is promised fearlessness in service to Śiva (10.63.48–49).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.63.49)

Obeisances and Aniruddha’s release

Reassured of his safety, Bāṇa touches his head to the ground before Kṛṣṇa, then presents Aniruddha and his bride on a chariot (10.63.50).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.63.50)

Tattva (essential teaching) — with śāstra

Kṛṣṇa remains true to His word

The decision to spare Bāṇa is connected with the promise made to Prahlāda. The Lord Himself identifies this reason (10.63.47).

Compassion inspires intercession

Śiva does not remain indifferent to his follower’s distress but appeals to Kṛṣṇa for mercy (10.63.33, 45).

Respect between the Lord and His devotee

Kṛṣṇa addresses Śiva respectfully and agrees to fulfil his request (10.63.46).

Strength receives a new direction

Bāṇa loses his former power but not his future: he is to become one of Śiva’s principal attendants (10.63.48–49).

Sevā today (practice for this day)

1. Chant without self-importance

During japa, remember how Kṛṣṇa humbled Bāṇa’s pride. Pray for the ability to serve without trying to prove your superiority.

2. Support someone in difficulty

Reflecting on Śiva’s compassion, choose one concrete act of kindness: listen to a devotee, help with a service or request the support they need.

3. Read Kṛṣṇa’s reply

Open SB 10.63.46–49. Thank the Lord for keeping His word and consider how to use your abilities in helpful service. These exercises are practical reflections on the lila.

Kṛṣṇa spares Bāṇāsura’s life, remembering His promise to Prahlāda.

— Brief paraphrase of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.63.47

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.