Shloka 44

King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda

Devanagari script

काककृष्णोऽतिह्रस्वाङ्गो ह्रस्वबाहुर्महाहनु: । ह्रस्वपान्निम्ननासाग्रो रक्ताक्षस्ताम्रमूर्धज: ॥ ४४ ॥

Transliteration

kāka-kṛṣṇo ’tihrasvāṅgo hrasva-bāhur mahā-hanuḥ hrasva-pān nimna-nāsāgro raktākṣas tāmra-mūrdhajaḥ

Translation

The person born from King Vena’s thighs was named Bāhuka. His complexion was black like a crow; his limbs were exceedingly short, his arms and legs were short, and his jaws were large. His nose was flat, his eyes reddish, and his hair copper-colored.

Synonyms

काककृष्णःcrow-black (very dark)

अतिexcessively, very

ह्रस्वाङ्गःhaving short limbs

ह्रस्वबाहुःshort-armed

महाहनुःlarge-jawed

ह्रस्वपान्short-handed

निम्ननासाग्रःwith a low/depressed nose-tip

रक्ताक्षःred-eyed

ताम्रमूर्धजःcopper-haired (reddish-haired)

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about King Vena’s qualities and appearance?

This verse describes Vena’s ominous physical traits—crow-black complexion, stunted limbs, red eyes, and coppery hair—presented as external signs accompanying an irreligious disposition.

Why does Śukadeva Gosvāmī describe such detailed physical features in Canto 4?

In the narrative of King Vena, the detailed description underscores how destructive tendencies in a ruler can be recognizable and consequential, setting the stage for the sages’ response and the restoration of dharma.

Practical application: what leadership lesson can be taken from the story of King Vena?

The Bhagavatam warns that leadership without dharma becomes harmful; therefore, cultivate self-discipline, humility, and accountability so power does not turn into oppression.