Shloka 7
Nārada Instructs Prācīnabarhiṣat: The Purañjana Narrative Begins
City of Nine Gates
नारद उवाच भो भो: प्रजापते राजन् पशून् पश्य त्वयाध्वरे । संज्ञापिताञ्जीवसङ्घान्निर्घृणेन सहस्रश: ॥ ७ ॥
nārada uvāca bhoḥ bhoḥ prajāpate rājan paśūn paśya tvayādhvare saṁjñāpitāñ jīva-saṅghān nirghṛṇena sahasraśaḥ
Nārada said: “O ruler of the people, my King, behold the animals that in your sacrificial arena you have slain by the thousands, without compassion.”
Because animal sacrifice is recommended in the Vedas, there are animal sacrifices in almost all religious rituals. However, one should not be satisfied simply by killing animals according to the directions of the scriptures. One should transcend the ritualistic ceremonies and try to understand the actual truth, the purpose of life. Nārada Muni wanted to instruct the King about the real purpose of life and invoke a spirit of renunciation in his heart. Knowledge and the spirit of renunciation ( jñāna-vairāgya ) are the ultimate goal of life. Without knowledge, one cannot become detached from material enjoyment, and without being detached from material enjoyment, one cannot make spiritual advancement. Karmīs are generally engaged in sense gratification, and for this end they are prepared to commit so many sinful activities. Animal sacrifice is but one such sinful activity. Consequently, by his mystic power Nārada Muni showed King Prācīnabarhiṣat the dead animals which he had sacrificed.
FAQs
This verse shows Nārada condemning a sacrifice that involves cruelty—highlighting that dharma without compassion becomes irreligion, especially when living beings are harmed.
Nārada confronts Dakṣa to expose the merciless intent behind the ritual, warning that religious acts performed without mercy and spiritual understanding degrade into violence.
Practice dharma with empathy—avoid causing unnecessary harm to living beings, and ensure that spiritual or social duties are guided by compassion rather than pride or harshness.