Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 4
Garuḍa, Saubhari’s Curse, Kāliya’s Refuge, and Kṛṣṇa Saves Vraja from Forest Fire
विषवीर्यमदाविष्ट: काद्रवेयस्तु कालिय: । कदर्थीकृत्य गरुडं स्वयं तं बुभुजे बलिम् ॥ ४ ॥
viṣa-vīrya-madāviṣṭaḥ kādraveyas tu kāliyaḥ kadarthī-kṛtya garuḍaṁ svayaṁ taṁ bubhuje balim
Although all the other serpents were dutifully making offerings to Garuḍa, one serpent — the arrogant Kāliya, son of Kadru — would eat all these offerings before Garuḍa could claim them. Thus Kāliya directly defied the carrier of Lord Viṣṇu.
FAQs
This verse says Kāliya became intoxicated by the potency of his poison, and that pride led him to insult Garuḍa and seize offerings meant for him.
Because he was overwhelmed by arrogance born of venomous power; the narrative frames this as a misuse of strength that invites divine correction.
Power—whether physical, intellectual, or social—can intoxicate and lead to disrespect; the Bhagavatam warns that such pride brings consequences and calls for humility.