Shloka 28
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
तस्मान्मां कर्मभिर्विप्रा यजध्वं गतमत्सरा: । बलिं च मह्यं हरत मत्तोऽन्य: कोऽग्रभुक्पुमान् ॥ २८ ॥
tasmān māṁ karmabhir viprā yajadhvaṁ gata-matsarāḥ baliṁ ca mahyaṁ harata matto ’nyaḥ ko ’gra-bhuk pumān
Therefore, O brāhmaṇas, cast off your envy of me; by your ritual acts worship me and bring all offerings to me. Who besides me is superior and fit to receive the first oblations of sacrifice?—thus spoke King Vena.
As stated by Kṛṣṇa Himself throughout Bhagavad-gītā, there is no truth superior to Him. King Vena was imitating the Supreme Personality of Godhead and was also speaking out of false pride, presenting himself as the Supreme Lord. These are all characteristics of a demonic person.
FAQs
This verse shows a misguided claim by King Vena that he is the foremost enjoyer of offerings; Bhagavata teachings establish that the rightful receiver of yajña is the Supreme Lord (Viṣṇu), and denying this is a sign of arrogance and irreligion.
In the narrative of Canto 4 Chapter 14, Vena becomes intoxicated with power and envy, rejecting traditional worship and positioning himself as supreme, ordering the brāhmaṇas to redirect sacrificial honor and offerings to him.
It warns against ego-driven entitlement—demanding honor, control, or “credit” that rightly belongs to higher principles; practicing humility and offering results to God and dharma prevents the downfall that comes from pride.