Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 22
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
परिवेक्ष्यमाणं भगवान् विलोक्याभक्ष्यमञ्जसा । राजानमशपत् क्रुद्धो रक्षो ह्येवं भविष्यसि ॥ २२ ॥
parivekṣyamāṇaṁ bhagavān vilokyābhakṣyam añjasā rājānam aśapat kruddho rakṣo hy evaṁ bhaviṣyasi
Als Vasiṣṭha Muni die Speise prüfte, erkannte er durch seine yogische Macht, dass sie ungenießbar war, denn es war Menschenfleisch. Voll Zorn verfluchte er Saudāsa sogleich: „So wirst du zu einem Menschenfresser werden, wie ein Rākṣasa.“
FAQs
This verse shows that disrespecting or neglecting a great sage can bring severe reactions—here, a curse—highlighting the Bhagavatam’s warning to avoid offenses toward saintly persons.
Durvāsā saw that he was treated as “abhakṣya” (as if unfit to be fed) and, becoming angry, cursed the king to become a rākṣasa—reflecting the sage’s intense sensitivity to perceived disrespect.
Practice humility and careful respect in dealings—especially with spiritually advanced people—and avoid rash judgments, as small lapses in etiquette and intention can escalate into major conflict.