Shloka 8
Vīrabhadra Destroys Dakṣa’s Sacrifice
Dakṣa-yajña-vināśa
वाता न वान्ति न हि सन्ति दस्यव: प्राचीनबर्हिर्जीवति होग्रदण्ड: । गावो न काल्यन्त इदं कुतो रजो लोकोऽधुना किं प्रलयाय कल्पते ॥ ८ ॥
vātā na vānti na hi santi dasyavaḥ prācīna-barhir jīvati hogra-daṇḍaḥ gāvo na kālyanta idaṁ kuto rajo loko ’dhunā kiṁ pralayāya kalpate
They speculated: “No wind is blowing, nor are there any marauders; and King Prācīnabarhi, stern in punishment, still lives. No cattle are passing—so whence comes this dust? Is the world now preparing for pralaya, the great dissolution?”
Specifically significant in this verse is prācīna-barhir jīvati. The king of that part of the land was known as Barhi, and although he was old, he was still living, and he was a very strong ruler. Thus there was no possibility of an invasion by thieves and plunderers. Indirectly it is stated here that thieves, plunderers, rogues and unwanted population can exist only in a state or kingdom where there is no strong ruler. When, in the name of justice, thieves are allowed liberty, the state and kingdom are disturbed by such plunderers and unwanted population. The dust storm created by the soldiers and assistants of Lord Śiva resembled the situation at the time of the dissolution of this world. When there is a need for the dissolution of the material creation, this function is conducted by Lord Śiva. Therefore the situation now created by him resembled the dissolution of the cosmic manifestation.
FAQs
This verse depicts an unusual, dust-filled atmosphere and a sense of impending calamity even though ordinary causes (wind, thieves, cattle raids) are absent—suggesting deeper disorder and anxiety within society.
Nārada uses everyday indicators of peace and order to highlight that the present disturbance has a subtler cause, prompting the king to reflect beyond external administration toward deeper spiritual and moral realities.
When anxiety or unrest persists despite “everything looking fine,” this verse encourages self-inquiry—examining inner motives, values, and spiritual direction rather than blaming only external factors.