Verse Text
yathā vā –
mura-mathana puras te ko bhujaṅgas tapasvī
laghu-haram iti kārṣīr mā sma dīnāya manyum |
gurur ayam aparādhas tathyam ajṣānato ’bhūd
aśaraṇam atimūḍhaṁ rakṣa rakṣa prasīda ||5||
Translation
Another example: O Murāri! In front of You, what I am, but a vile snake. Do not become angry with the most fallen and miserable. I have committed a great offense, not understanding who You were. Being the greatest fool, I have no protector. You should therefore protect me. Be pleased with me.
Purport (Jiva Goswami)
These are the words of Kāliya. Tapasvī means miserable. Manyu means anger.
Purport (Nectar of Devotion)
There is another instance of a dreadful situation with Kṛṣṇa as the object as follows. After being sufficiently chastised by child Kṛṣṇa in the Yamunā River, the Kāliya snake began to address the Lord, “O killer of the Mura demon, I have acquired many mystic powers by my austerity and penances, but before You I am nothing; I am most insignificant. Therefore, please be kind upon a poor soul like me, and don’t be angry with me. I did not know Your actual position, and out of ignorance I have committed such horrible offenses. Please save me. I am a most unfortunate, foolish creature. Please be merciful to me.” This is another instance of the ecstasy of dread in devotional service.