Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 42
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
यो देवैरर्थितो दैत्यानवधीद् युधि दुर्जय: । मुहूर्तमायुर्ज्ञात्वैत्य स्वपुरं सन्दधे मन: ॥ ४२ ॥
yo devair arthito daityān avadhīd yudhi durjayaḥ muhūrtam āyur jñātvaitya sva-puraṁ sandadhe manaḥ
König Khaṭvāṅga war in jedem Kampf unbesiegbar. Von den Halbgöttern gebeten, sich ihnen im Kampf gegen die Dämonen anzuschließen, errang er den Sieg, und die Halbgötter, sehr erfreut, wollten ihm eine Segnung geben. Der König erkundigte sich bei ihnen nach der Dauer seines Lebens und wurde informiert, dass er nur noch einen Augenblick habe. So verließ er sofort seinen Palast und ging zu seiner eigenen Residenz, wo er seinen Geist voll auf die Lotosfüße des Herrn richtete.
The example of Mahārāja Khaṭvāṅga in performing devotional service is brilliant. Mahārāja Khaṭvāṅga engaged himself for only a moment in devotional service to the Lord, but he was promoted back to Godhead. Therefore, if one practices devotional service from the beginning of his life, surely he will return home, back to Godhead, without a doubt ( asaṁśaya ).
FAQs
This verse shows that when a person realizes life is about to end, the wise withdraw from external engagements and fix the mind on one’s true abode—turning inward toward the ultimate goal rather than remaining absorbed in temporary victories.
As a righteous ruler, he upheld kṣatriya-dharma—protecting cosmic order by defending the devas and subduing destructive forces represented by the Daityas.
Do your duties responsibly, but keep awareness of time’s limits; regularly re-center your mind on your highest spiritual aim so that life’s final moments find you inwardly prepared, not merely busy.