Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 18
Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Wrath, the Assault on Vedic Culture, and the Boy-Yamarāja’s Teaching on the Soul
शकुनिं शम्बरं धृष्टिं भूतसन्तापनं वृकम् । कालनाभं महानाभं हरिश्मश्रुमथोत्कचम् ॥ १८ ॥ तन्मातरं रुषाभानुं दितिं च जननीं गिरा । श्लक्ष्णया देशकालज्ञ इदमाह जनेश्वर ॥ १९ ॥
śakuniṁ śambaraṁ dhṛṣṭiṁ bhūtasantāpanaṁ vṛkam kālanābhaṁ mahānābhaṁ hariśmaśrum athotkacam
O King, Hiraṇyakaśipu was extremely angry, but since he was a great politician, he knew how to act according to the time and situation. With sweet words he began pacifying his nephews, whose names were Śakuni, Śambara, Dhṛṣṭi, Bhūtasantāpana, Vṛka, Kālanābha, Mahānābha, Hariśmaśru and Utkaca. He also consoled their mother, his sister-in-law, Ruṣābhānu, as well as his own mother, Diti. He spoke to them all as follows.
FAQs
They are prominent asuras (demonic leaders/associates) whom Hiraṇyakaśipu called together as he consolidated power.
He is organizing his demonic allies and commanders to strengthen his rule and pursue his anti-Viṣṇu agenda described in this chapter’s narrative.
It highlights how leaders shape outcomes through the company they keep—wise seekers choose sādhus and devotional association rather than alliances based on ego and domination.