Shloka 5
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
एवं मदान्ध उत्सिक्तो निरङ्कुश इव द्विप: । पर्यटन् रथमास्थाय कम्पयन्निव रोदसी ॥ ५ ॥
evaṁ madāndha utsikto niraṅkuśa iva dvipaḥ paryaṭan ratham āsthāya kampayann iva rodasī
Blinded by the intoxication of opulence, King Vena mounted his chariot and roamed the kingdom like an uncontrolled elephant, as if making heaven and earth tremble.
FAQs
This verse portrays King Vena as pride-intoxicated and uncontrolled, implying that arrogance in leadership becomes destructive and destabilizing, like a goadless elephant.
Because, lacking restraint and guidance by dharma, he acted recklessly and dangerously—just as an elephant without a goad can trample everything.
Cultivate self-restraint and humility—especially when given authority—so that power does not become unchecked ego that harms others and disrupts peace.