Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 39
Hari’s Special Mercy, Śiva’s Quick Boons, and the Deliverance from Vṛkāsura
मुक्तं गिरिशमभ्याह भगवान् पुरुषोत्तम: । अहो देव महादेव पापोऽयं स्वेन पाप्मना ॥ ३८ ॥ हत: को नु महत्स्वीश जन्तुर्वै कृतकिल्बिष: । क्षेमी स्यात् किमु विश्वेशे कृतागस्को जगद्गुरौ ॥ ३९ ॥
muktaṁ giriśam abhyāha bhagavān puruṣottamaḥ aho deva mahā-deva pāpo ’yaṁ svena pāpmanā
The Supreme Personality of Godhead then addressed Lord Giriśa, who was now out of danger: “Just see, O Mahādeva, My lord, how this wicked man has been killed by his own sinful reactions. Indeed, what living being can hope for good fortune if he offends exalted saints, what to speak of offending the lord and spiritual master of the universe?”
According to Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī, this statement of Lord Viṣṇu’s implies a mild scolding: “My dear possessor of unlimited vision, O you of clear intelligence, benedictions should not be given to wicked demons in this way. You could have been killed! But you were only concerned about saving this poor soul, so you disregarded what would happen to you as a result.” Thus, Ācārya Viśvanātha Cakravartī points out, Lord Nārāyaṇa’s mild rebuke also highlighted Lord Śiva’s exceptional compassion.
FAQs
This verse shows that sin binds the doer through its own force—one becomes afflicted “by his own sinfulness,” emphasizing personal responsibility for karmic reactions.
In the narrative, Kṛṣṇa, after releasing Śiva (Giriśa), comments on the sinful condition of the person involved, highlighting how wrongdoing brings suffering and setting the moral frame of the episode.
Own your actions: avoid harmful choices, seek purification through devotion and repentance, and align daily life with dharma to prevent self-created suffering.