Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 10
Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Wrath, the Assault on Vedic Culture, and the Boy-Yamarāja’s Teaching on the Soul
तावद्यात भुवं यूयं ब्रह्मक्षत्रसमेधिताम् । सूदयध्वं तपोयज्ञस्वाध्यायव्रतदानिन: ॥ १० ॥
tāvad yāta bhuvaṁ yūyaṁ brahma-kṣatra-samedhitām sūdayadhvaṁ tapo-yajña- svādhyāya-vrata-dāninaḥ
Während ich damit beschäftigt bin, Lord Viṣṇu zu töten, geht hinunter zum Planeten Erde, der aufgrund der brahmanischen Kultur und einer Kṣatriya-Regierung blüht. Diese Menschen üben sich in Entsagung, Opferung, vedischem Studium, regulierenden Gelübden und Wohltätigkeit. Vernichtet alle Menschen, die so beschäftigt sind!
Hiraṇyakaśipu’s main purpose was to disturb the demigods. He planned first to kill Lord Viṣṇu so that with Lord Viṣṇu’s death the demigods would automatically weaken and die. Another of his plans was to disturb the residents of the planet earth. The peace and prosperity of the residents of earth, and all the other planets, were maintained by the brāhmaṇas and kṣatriyas. The Lord says in Bhagavad-gītā (4.13) , cātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛṣṭaṁ guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśaḥ: “According to the three modes of material nature and the work ascribed to them, the four divisions of human society were created by Me.” On all the planets there are different types of residents, but the Lord recommends, referring especially to the planet earth, which is inhabited by human beings, that society be divided into four varṇas — brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra. Before the advent of Lord Kṛṣṇa on this earth, it is understood that the earth was managed by the brāhmaṇas and kṣatriyas. The duty of the brāhmaṇas is to cultivate śamaḥ (peacefulness), damaḥ (self-control), titikṣā (tolerance), satyam (truthfulness), śaucam (cleanliness) and ārjavam (simplicity), and then to advise the kṣatriya kings how to rule the country or planet. Following the instructions of the brāhmaṇas, the kṣatriyas should engage the populace in austerity, sacrifices, Vedic study and adherence to the rules and regulations established by Vedic principles. They should also arrange for charity to be given to the brāhmaṇas, sannyāsīs and temples. This is the godly arrangement of brahminical culture.
FAQs
Because these practices strengthen dharma and devotion to Vishnu; Hiranyakashipu sees them as the foundation of divine order and therefore instructs his followers to uproot them.
It shows that adharma often begins by suppressing the pillars of spiritual life—brahminical austerity, sacrifice, scriptural study, vows, and charity—so society loses its dharmic strength.
It cautions that genuine spiritual disciplines may face opposition; one should protect and continue practices like study, self-discipline, charity, and worship with steadiness and faith.