Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 33
The Dynasty of Vaivasvata Manu Begins — Ilā/Sudyumna and the Birth of Purūravā
तत ऊर्ध्वं वनं तद् वै पुरुषा वर्जयन्ति हि । सा चानुचरसंयुक्ता विचचार वनाद् वनम् ॥ ३३ ॥
tata ūrdhvaṁ vanaṁ tad vai puruṣā varjayanti hi sā cānucara-saṁyuktā vicacāra vanād vanam
Since that time, no male had entered that forest. But now King Sudyumna, having been transformed into a female, began to walk with his associates from one forest to another.
In Bhagavad-gītā (2.22) it is said:
FAQs
It states that from then on, people avoided that particular forest, implying it had become known for danger or an inauspicious incident.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is narrating this verse to Mahārāja Parīkṣit as part of the Ninth Canto’s historical narration.
It highlights how a life driven by disturbance or insecurity leads to restlessness—encouraging seekers to take shelter of dharma and devotion rather than perpetual flight.