The Brāhmaṇa’s Sorrow in Dvārakā
In the grand city of Dvārakā, a grief-stricken brāhmaṇa came weeping to the royal assembly where Kṛṣṇa, Balarāma, and the Yādava chiefs were seated. He held in his arms the lifeless body of his newborn son, the ninth child he had lost.
The brāhmaṇa wailed:
“O King! For the ninth time, my child has died as soon as he was born. You are kṣatriyas, protectors of your people—yet I have found no protection! What use is your strength and royalty if you cannot prevent such suffering?”
Arjuna’s Vow
Hearing the brāhmaṇa’s plea, Arjuna, who was present there as a guest, was deeply moved. Ashamed that the brāhmaṇa’s sons had died in the presence of such heroes, he made a bold vow:
“If a tenth son is born and dies, I shall retrieve him—either by my power or by death. If I fail, I shall enter fire and give up my life!”
The citizens were astonished at Arjuna’s confidence.
The Tenth Child Disappears
When the tenth child of the brāhmaṇa was born, Arjuna constructed a protective fortress around the home using celestial weapons and mantras. He stood guard day and night.
But to his shock, the child vanished mysteriously, just like the others—without a trace.
Despite his efforts, Arjuna failed.
Humiliated and determined to keep his vow, he prepared to enter fire.
Kṛṣṇa Intervenes
Just then, Kṛṣṇa stopped him.
“O Arjuna, do not blame yourself. These sons were not taken by earthly causes. Come with Me—I shall show you where they have gone.”
Mounting His chariot, Kṛṣṇa took Arjuna on a journey beyond the material realms.
Journey to the Abode of Yama and Brahmā
First, they went to Yama-loka, the realm of the god of death. Yama respectfully received Kṛṣṇa but said:
“These children are not here, O Lord. They were not claimed by me.”
Next, they went to Brahmā-loka, the abode of Lord Brahmā. There too, they found no trace of the children.
Finally, Kṛṣṇa took Arjuna beyond even the material universe, to a hidden region of the causal ocean, where Mahā-Kāla, a mysterious being beyond time and space, resided.
Retrieving the Sons from Mahā-Kāla
There, Kṛṣṇa revealed His divine form, and Mahā-Kāla bowed before Him.
“O Supreme Lord! When You descended to the mortal world, I brought these brāhmaṇa sons to this place so I could have Your darśana. Now that my desire is fulfilled, I return them to You.”
Mahā-Kāla presented all ten sons—the children of the brāhmaṇa—safe and smiling.
Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna took them back to Dvārakā.
The Brāhmaṇa’s Joy
When the brāhmaṇa saw all his sons returned alive, he was speechless. He fell at Kṛṣṇa’s feet in gratitude:
“O Lord! Only You could do this. You are beyond human, beyond devas. You are the cause of all causes. May my life be dedicated to Your service.”
Even Arjuna, humbled and amazed, bowed before Kṛṣṇa:
“O friend! Now I understand why the wise call You the Supreme Lord. Your pastimes are beyond all comprehension.”
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Kṛṣṇa is the ultimate protector, beyond even death, fate, or time.
- Even the most powerful mortals like Arjuna have limits, but the Lord is unlimited.
- The Lord sometimes hides His glory behind friendship, only to reveal it in moments of divine purpose.
- Faith in the Lord brings not only comfort but miracles—for the Lord cares deeply for His devotees.
- Devotional surrender surpasses all human effort. Kṛṣṇa fulfills what even the mightiest cannot achieve.
Origin of the Story: Harivaṁśa Purāṇa – Viṣṇu-parva, Chapters 91–95
