The Superexcellent Power of Kṛṣṇa
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unhappy.” Although in modern politics the post of monarch is abolished, the president is not held responsible for the comforts of the citizens. In this age of Kali, the executive head of a state somehow or other gets votes and is elected to an exalted post, but the condition of the citizens continues to be full of anxiety, distress, unhappiness, and dissatisfaction.
The  brāhmaṇa ’s second child was also born dead, and the third also. He had nine children, and each of them was born dead, and each time he came to the gate of the palace to accuse the King. When the  brāhmaṇa  came to accuse the King of Dvārakā for the ninth time, Arjuna happened to be present with Kṛṣṇa. On hearing that a  brāhmaṇa  was accusing the King of not properly protecting him, Arjuna became inquisitive and approached the  brāhmaṇa . He said, “My dear  brāhmaṇa , why do you say that there are no proper  kṣatriyas  to protect the citizens of your country? Is there not even someone who can pretend to be a  kṣatriya , who can carry a bow and arrow at least to make a show of protection? Do you think that all the royal personalities in this country simply engage in performing sacrifices with the  brāhmaṇas  but have no chivalrous power?” Thus Arjuna indicated that  kṣatriyas  should not sit back comfortably and engage only in performing Vedic rituals. Rather, they must be very chivalrous in protecting the citizens.  Brāhmaṇas , being engaged in spiritual activities, are not expected to do anything which requires physical endeavor. Therefore, they need to be protected by the  kṣatriyas  so that they will not be disturbed in the execution of their higher occupational duties.
“If the  brāhmaṇas  feel unwanted separation from their wives and children,” Arjuna continued, “and the  kṣatriya  kings do not take care of them, then such  kṣatriyas  are to be considered no more than stage players. In dramatical performances in the theater, an actor may play the part of a king, but no one expects any benefits from such a makebelieve king. Similarly, if the king or the executive head of a state cannot give protection to the head of the social structure, he is considered merely a bluffer. Such executive heads simply live for their own livelihood while occupying exalted posts as chiefs of state. My lord, I promise that I shall give protection to your children, and if I am unable to do so, then I shall enter into blazing fire so that the sinful contamination which has infected me will be counteracted.”
Upon hearing Arjuna speak in this way, the  brāhmaṇa  replied, “My dear Arjuna, Lord Balarāma is present, but He could not give protection to my children. Lord Kṛṣṇa is also present, but He also could not give them protection. There are also many other heroes, such as Pradyumna and Aniruddha, carrying bows and arrows, but they could not protect my children.” The  brāhmaṇa  directly hinted that Arjuna could not do that