Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 20
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
श्रीशुक उवाच सौदासो मृगयां किञ्चिच्चरन् रक्षो जघान ह । मुमोच भ्रातरं सोऽथ गत: प्रतिचिकीर्षया ॥ २० ॥ सञ्चिन्तयन्नघं राज्ञ: सूदरूपधरो गृहे । गुरवे भोक्तुकामाय पक्त्वा निन्ये नरामिषम् ॥ २१ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca saudāso mṛgayāṁ kiñcic caran rakṣo jaghāna ha mumoca bhrātaraṁ so ’tha gataḥ praticikīrṣayā
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: Once Saudāsa went to live in the forest, where he killed a man-eater [Rākṣasa] but forgave and released the man-eater’s brother. That brother, however, decided to take revenge. Thinking to harm the King, he became the cook at the King’s house. One day, the King’s spiritual master, Vasiṣṭha Muni, was invited for dinner, and the Rākṣasa cook served him human flesh.
FAQs
This verse shows how an act (killing a rākṣasa) can trigger a chain reaction—mercy to the surviving brother still leaves room for retaliation—highlighting the unfolding of karma and the danger of revenge.
Though spared, he remained aggrieved by his brother’s death; the verse states he left with the intention of retaliation, setting up the next events in Saudāsa’s narrative.
Even when one tries to correct a situation with mercy, unresolved hostility can persist; act responsibly, avoid needless violence, and anticipate consequences while choosing dharmic restraint.