Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 27
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
विष्णुर्विरिञ्चो गिरिश इन्द्रो वायुर्यमो रवि: । पर्जन्यो धनद: सोम: क्षितिरग्निरपाम्पति: ॥ २६ ॥ एते चान्ये च विबुधा: प्रभवो वरशापयो: । देहे भवन्ति नृपते: सर्वदेवमयो नृप: ॥ २७ ॥
viṣṇur viriñco giriśa indro vāyur yamo raviḥ parjanyo dhanadaḥ somaḥ kṣitir agnir apāmpatiḥ
Lord Viṣṇu; Lord Brahmā; Lord Śiva; Lord Indra; Vāyu, the master of air; Yama, the superintendent of death; the sun-god; the director of rainfall; Kuvera, the treasurer; the moon-god; the predominating deity of the earth; Agni, the fire-god; Varuṇa, the lord of waters; and all others who are great and competent to bestow benedictions or to curse — all abide in the body of the king. For this reason the king is known as the reservoir of all demigods, who are simply parts and parcels of the king’s body.
There are many demons who think of themselves as the Supreme and present themselves as the directors of the sun, moon and other planets. This is all due to false pride. Similarly, King Vena developed the demonic mentality and presented himself as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Such demons are numerous in this Age of Kali, and all of them are condemned by great sages and saintly persons.
FAQs
This verse lists major devas to show that the powers governing the universe can be represented through the king’s role, preparing the idea that kingship is meant for dharmic protection, not selfish rule.
Because the narrative is explaining the principle of royal authority: the king is expected to embody and administer divine functions—justice, rain, wealth, order—so that society remains aligned with dharma.
Leadership should be service-based: protect people, ensure fairness, and uphold moral order, rather than using power for ego or exploitation.