Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 5
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
एवं मदान्ध उत्सिक्तो निरङ्कुश इव द्विप: । पर्यटन् रथमास्थाय कम्पयन्निव रोदसी ॥ ५ ॥
evaṁ madāndha utsikto niraṅkuśa iva dvipaḥ paryaṭan ratham āsthāya kampayann iva rodasī
Von seinem Reichtum berauscht und geblendet bestieg König Vena den Wagen und zog wie ein zügelloser Elefant durchs Reich, als ließe er Himmel und Erde erbeben.
FAQs
This verse portrays King Vena as pride-intoxicated and uncontrolled, implying that arrogance in leadership becomes destructive and destabilizing, like a goadless elephant.
Because, lacking restraint and guidance by dharma, he acted recklessly and dangerously—just as an elephant without a goad can trample everything.
Cultivate self-restraint and humility—especially when given authority—so that power does not become unchecked ego that harms others and disrupts peace.