Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 15
Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Wrath, the Assault on Vedic Culture, and the Boy-Yamarāja’s Teaching on the Soul
केचित्खनित्रैर्बिभिदु: सेतुप्राकारगोपुरान् । आजीव्यांश्चिच्छिदुर्वृक्षान् केचित्परशुपाणय: । प्रादहन् शरणान्येके प्रजानां ज्वलितोल्मुकै: ॥ १५ ॥
kecit khanitrair bibhiduḥ setu-prākāra-gopurān ājīvyāṁś cicchidur vṛkṣān kecit paraśu-pāṇayaḥ prādahañ śaraṇāny eke prajānāṁ jvalitolmukaiḥ
Some of the demons took digging instruments and broke down the bridges, the protective walls and the gates [gopuras] of the cities. Some took axes and began cutting the important trees that produced mango, jackfruit and other sources of food. Some of the demons took firebrands and set fire to the residential quarters of the citizens.
The cutting of trees is generally prohibited. In particular, trees that produce nice fruit for the maintenance of human society should not be cut. In different countries there are different types of fruit trees. In India the mango and jackfruit trees are prominent, and in other places there are mango trees, jackfruit trees, coconut trees and berry trees. Any tree that produces nice fruit for the maintenance of the people should not be cut at all. This is a śāstric injunction.
FAQs
It describes the asuric forces causing public terror—breaking bridges and fortifications, cutting livelihood-giving trees, and burning the citizens’ shelters with torches.
It shows how Hiraṇyakaśipu’s regime spread fear and adharma, creating a background for Prahlāda’s steadfast bhakti and the Lord’s protection of devotees.
Do not support systems that destroy others’ safety and livelihood; instead cultivate dharma—protecting people, property, and the vulnerable—while keeping devotion firm amid adversity.