Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 11
The Sūtas Foretell the Glories and Future Deeds of King Pṛthu
दुरासदो दुर्विषह आसन्नोऽपि विदूरवत् । नैवाभिभवितुं शक्यो वेनारण्युत्थितोऽनल: ॥ ११ ॥
durāsado durviṣaha āsanno ’pi vidūravat naivābhibhavituṁ śakyo venāraṇy-utthito ’nalaḥ
King Pṛthu was born of the dead body of King Vena as fire is produced from araṇi wood. Thus King Pṛthu will always remain just like fire, and his enemies will not be able to approach him. Indeed, he will be unbearable to his enemies, for although staying very near him, they will never be able to approach him but will have to remain as if far away. No one will be able to overcome the strength of King Pṛthu.
Araṇi wood is a kind of fuel used to ignite fire by friction. At the time of performing sacrifices, one can ignite a fire from araṇi wood. Although born of his dead father, King Pṛthu would still remain just like fire. Just as fire is not easily approached, King Pṛthu would be unapproachable by his enemies, even though they would appear to be very near him.
FAQs
It compares the hostile force arising from Vena’s side to a fire born in a forest—dangerous, spreading, and not easily subdued.
The verse describes the formidable opponent/force connected with Vena’s party—so powerful that even nearby it could not be easily confronted or overcome.
Unchecked adharma can grow into a crisis that becomes difficult to control; therefore one should address wrongdoing early and cultivate dharma, discipline, and responsible leadership.