Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 38
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
एवं मृशन्त ऋषयो धावतां सर्वतोदिशम् । पांसु: समुत्थितो भूरिश्चोराणामभिलुम्पताम् ॥ ३८ ॥
evaṁ mṛśanta ṛṣayo dhāvatāṁ sarvato-diśam pāṁsuḥ samutthito bhūriś corāṇām abhilumpatām
وبينما كان الحكماء العظام يتشاورون على هذا النحو، رأوا عاصفةً من الغبار ترتفع من كل الجهات. وكان ذلك الغبار من جراء ركض اللصوص وقطاع الطرق، إذ كانوا منشغلين بنهب أهل البلاد.
Thieves and rogues simply await some political upset in order to take the opportunity to plunder the people in general. To keep thieves and rogues inactive in their profession, a strong government is always required.
FAQs
This verse depicts rampant looting and disorder—symbolized by thieves raising clouds of dust—showing how society becomes turbulent when dharma and proper governance break down.
In the aftermath of irreligious rule, criminals spread everywhere; the sages pursue them to restrain the chaos and protect society, illustrating the duty of saintly persons to uphold dharma.
When values collapse, confusion and exploitation increase; the takeaway is to support dharmic leadership, live honestly, and help curb wrongdoing through principled action.