Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 42
Mahārāja Parīkṣit Cursed by a Brāhmaṇa Boy (Śṛṅgi) and the Moral Crisis of Kali-yuga
न वै नृभिर्नरदेवं पराख्यं सम्मातुमर्हस्यविपक्वबुद्धे । यत्तेजसा दुर्विषहेण गुप्ता विन्दन्ति भद्राण्यकुतोभया: प्रजा: ॥ ४२ ॥
na vai nṛbhir nara-devaṁ parākhyaṁ sammātum arhasy avipakva-buddhe yat-tejasā durviṣaheṇa guptā vindanti bhadrāṇy akutobhayāḥ prajāḥ
O my boy, your intelligence is immature, and therefore you have no knowledge that the king, who is the best amongst human beings, is as good as the Personality of Godhead. He is never to be placed on an equal footing with common men. The citizens of the state live in prosperity, being protected by his unsurpassable prowess.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a king is ‘naradeva’ (god among men); his righteous power protects society, so disrespecting him is improper and harmful to public welfare.
After Śṛṅgi cursed Mahārāja Parīkṣit, Śamīka rebuked him, explaining that the king’s authority safeguards citizens and should not be treated as negligible.
Avoid impulsive condemnation and cultivate discernment: honor lawful, dharmic leadership and recognize that social stability depends on responsible authority and restraint in speech.