Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 44
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
काककृष्णोऽतिह्रस्वाङ्गो ह्रस्वबाहुर्महाहनु: । ह्रस्वपान्निम्ननासाग्रो रक्ताक्षस्ताम्रमूर्धज: ॥ ४४ ॥
kāka-kṛṣṇo ’tihrasvāṅgo hrasva-bāhur mahā-hanuḥ hrasva-pān nimna-nāsāgro raktākṣas tāmra-mūrdhajaḥ
This person born from King Vena’s thighs was named Bāhuka, and his complexion was as black as a crow’s. All the limbs of his body were very short, his arms and legs were short, and his jaws were large. His nose was flat, his eyes were reddish, and his hair copper-colored.
FAQs
This verse describes Vena’s ominous physical traits—crow-black complexion, stunted limbs, red eyes, and coppery hair—presented as external signs accompanying an irreligious disposition.
In the narrative of King Vena, the detailed description underscores how destructive tendencies in a ruler can be recognizable and consequential, setting the stage for the sages’ response and the restoration of dharma.
The Bhagavatam warns that leadership without dharma becomes harmful; therefore, cultivate self-discipline, humility, and accountability so power does not turn into oppression.