Shloka 18

Devanagari script

सर्व एवर्त्विजो दृष्ट्वा सदस्या: सदिवौकस: । तैरर्द्यमाना: सुभृशं ग्रावभिर्नैकधाद्रवन् ॥ १८ ॥

Transliteration

sarva evartvijo dṛṣṭvā sadasyāḥ sa-divaukasaḥ tair ardyamānāḥ subhṛśaṁ grāvabhir naikadhā ’dravan

Translation

A ceaseless shower of stones fell, and all the ṛtvij priests, the assembled participants, and the devas were plunged into great distress. Fearing for their lives, they scattered and fled in every direction.

Synonyms

सर्वेall

एवindeed, just

ऋत्विजःpriests

दृष्ट्वाhaving seen

सदस्याःmembers of the assembly

सदिवौकसःthose dwelling in the hall (attendants)

तैःby them

अर्द्यमानाःbeing struck/pressed

सुभृशम्exceedingly, greatly

ग्रावभिःwith stones

नैकधाnot in one way; in many directions

अद्रवन्ran away

Characters & Entities

Ṛ

Ṛtviks (priests)

Sadasyas (sacrificial members)

Devas (demigods)

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the destruction of Daksha’s yajna?

This verse describes how the priests, assembly members, and even demigods at Dakṣa’s sacrifice were pelted with stones and fled in fear, showing the collapse of a yajña performed in offense and pride.

Why were the priests and demigods fleeing during Daksha’s sacrifice?

In the narrative of Canto 4, Chapter 5, Śiva’s followers disrupt the sacrificial arena; as the attack intensifies, the participants—priests, officials, and demigods—are driven to scatter and run.

What is the practical lesson from Daksha yajna for modern life?

Religious or spiritual activity loses its sanctity when fueled by ego and disrespect; this verse highlights that arrogance and offense can destroy even impressive “ritual success,” urging humility and reverence.