Hare Krsna,
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura wrote in one of his publications (Prakrta-rasa Sata-dusini):
anartha na gele name guna bujha jaya na
anartha na gele name krsna-seva haya na
If anarthas are not removed, then the Holy Name will never produce knowledge of the divine qualities of Krsna. If anarthas are not destroyed by the chanting of the Holy Name, one can never engage in service to Krsna.
In Caitanya-siksamrta and Krsna-samhita of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura the main anarthas to devotional service have been described in relation to their appearance as demons killed by Krsna and Balarama.
Dhenukasura symbolizes ignorance and the ass-like gross discrimination that exists based on caste, color, creed, or social status. He represents a lack of awareness about one’s true spiritual identity, the sacred nature of the Holy Name, and the essence of Krsna.
In Krsna’s pastimes, Dhenukasura is unable to enjoy the sweet fruits from the palm tree and actively prevents others from doing so as well. Similarly, some people, like Dhenukasura, are unable to understand or appreciate the deeper spiritual teachings in the writings of past spiritual masters. These individuals, who are fixated on rigid rules and bound by discriminatory thinking, cannot make real spiritual progress.
Without understanding the deeper connection with Krsna, one’s spiritual journey remains superficial, much like the work of an ordinary person seeking material rewards. Only when the “ass-like” mentality, represented by Dhenukasura, is overcome, can one truly advance in the path of Krsna consciousness.
Those who wish to serve Krsna with pure devotion in the mood of Vraja must work to eliminate the various anarthas (undesirable tendencies) that have taken shelter in our hearts. Some of these obstacles can be removed through the devotee’s own efforts and purity, while others are destroyed by Krsna’s mercy.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura explains that the anarthas symbolized by Dhenukasura and Pralamba are removed by Baladeva (Balarama). When a devotee prays with humility, asking Krsna to cleanse their heart of these anarthas—represented by the demons Krsna defeated—Krsna will surely grant this request. However, some obstacles, symbolized by the demons killed by Baladeva, require personal effort to overcome.
A devotee can remove these challenges through their own introspection and disciplined practice while remaining under the shelter of their spiritual duties.
My dear Parīkṣit, that Lord Balarāma killed Dhenukāsura is not such a wonderful thing, considering that He is the unlimited Personality of Godhead, the controller of the entire universe. Indeed, the entire cosmos rests upon Him just as a woven cloth rests upon its own horizontal and vertical threads. (SB 10.15.35)
What is magnificent to hear after Lord Balarama killed Dhenukasara is the aftereffect.
The earth then appeared beautifully covered with heaps of fruits and with the dead bodies of the demons, which were entangled in the broken tops of the palm trees. Indeed, the earth shone like the sky decorated with clouds. (SB 10.15.38)
This means that when the anarthas are uprooted from our heart by the mercy of Krsna and Balarama, our heart will become very beautiful and pure. It will become a perfect place to set up an altar where the Radha, Krsna and Balarama (along with their associates) can come and eternally reside. We will then obtain the true realization of and service to the Holy Name.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Krsna Katha 