Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 20
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
श्रीशुक उवाच सौदासो मृगयां किञ्चिच्चरन् रक्षो जघान ह । मुमोच भ्रातरं सोऽथ गत: प्रतिचिकीर्षया ॥ २० ॥ सञ्चिन्तयन्नघं राज्ञ: सूदरूपधरो गृहे । गुरवे भोक्तुकामाय पक्त्वा निन्ये नरामिषम् ॥ २१ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca saudāso mṛgayāṁ kiñcic caran rakṣo jaghāna ha mumoca bhrātaraṁ so ’tha gataḥ praticikīrṣayā
Śukadeva Gosvāmī sprach: Einst ging Saudāsa zur Jagd in den Wald und tötete einen menschenfressenden Rākṣasa, doch aus Barmherzigkeit verschonte und entließ er dessen Bruder. Dieser Bruder sann jedoch auf Rache; um dem König zu schaden, nahm er die Gestalt eines Kochs an und trat in den königlichen Haushalt ein. Eines Tages, als der Lehrer Vasiṣṭha Muni zum Mahl eingeladen war, setzte ihm der Rākṣasa-Koch gekochtes Menschenfleisch vor.
FAQs
This verse shows how an act (killing a rākṣasa) can trigger a chain reaction—mercy to the surviving brother still leaves room for retaliation—highlighting the unfolding of karma and the danger of revenge.
Though spared, he remained aggrieved by his brother’s death; the verse states he left with the intention of retaliation, setting up the next events in Saudāsa’s narrative.
Even when one tries to correct a situation with mercy, unresolved hostility can persist; act responsibly, avoid needless violence, and anticipate consequences while choosing dharmic restraint.