Shloka 37
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
गृह्णन्ति यावत: पांशून् क्रन्दतामश्रुबिन्दव: । विप्राणां हृतवृत्तीनां वदान्यानां कुटुम्बिनाम् ॥ ३७ ॥ राजानो राजकुल्याश्च तावतोऽब्दान्निरङ्कुशा: । कुम्भीपाकेषु पच्यन्ते ब्रह्मदायापहारिण: ॥ ३८ ॥
gṛhṇanti yāvataḥ pāṁśūn krandatām aśru-bindavaḥ viprāṇāṁ hṛta-vṛttīnām vadānyānāṁ kuṭumbinām
For as many years as there are grains of dust touched by the tears of generous brāhmaṇas—householders whose livelihood has been stolen—so many years do uncontrolled kings who usurp a brāhmaṇa’s property, together with their royal families, burn in the hell called Kumbhīpāka.
FAQs
This verse warns that when brāhmaṇas’ rightful livelihood is taken, the rulers who enable such injustice incur severe karmic consequences; even their temporary worldly freedom is measured against the suffering they cause.
He highlights dharma: rulers must protect the pious and never exploit brāhmaṇas. The narrative uses this moral lens to show that offenses against sacred trust bring heavy reactions.
Do not exploit spiritual teachers, religious institutions, or honest livelihoods; support dharmic education and charity, and avoid benefiting from systems that deprive the righteous of their due.