Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 26
Ūṣā-Haraṇa, Bāṇāsura’s Pride, and Aniruddha’s Capture
Prelude to Hari–Śaṅkara Conflict
तां तथा यदुवीरेण भुज्यमानां हतव्रताम् । हेतुभिर्लक्षयां चक्रुरापृईतां दुरवच्छदै: ॥ २५ ॥ भटा आवेदयां चक्रू राजंस्ते दुहितुर्वयम् । विचेष्टितं लक्षयाम कन्याया: कुलदूषणम् ॥ २६ ॥
tāṁ tathā yadu-vīreṇa bhujyamānāṁ hata-vratām hetubhir lakṣayāṁ cakrur āpṛītāṁ duravacchadaiḥ
The female guards eventually noticed unmistakable symptoms of romantic involvement in Ūṣā, who, having broken her maiden vow, was being enjoyed by the Yadu hero and showing signs of conjugal happiness. The guards went to Bāṇāsura and told him, “O King, we have detected in your daughter the kind of improper behavior that spoils the reputation of a young girl’s family.
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī has defined the word bhaṭāḥ as “female guards,” whereas Jīva Gosvāmī defines it as “eunuchs and others.” Grammatically, the word can function both ways.
FAQs
This verse indicates that Uṣā’s attendants could infer her union with the Yadu hero Aniruddha from telltale signs, even though it was intentionally concealed.
Because she had privately united with Aniruddha before any public, sanctioned marriage arrangement, her prior vow of chastity was considered violated in the social context described.
It highlights that actions leave signs and consequences; integrity and responsible choices matter even when one tries to hide a situation.