Shloka 38
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 states that those who confiscate or steal a brāhmaṇa’s rightful livelihood incur severe karmic reactions, suffering for as many years as the tear-wet dust they cause, and are punished in Kumbhīpāka.
Śukadeva uses Nṛga’s episode to warn rulers and administrators that even ‘royal’ power cannot excuse injustice—especially against brāhmaṇas—and that such acts lead to hellish consequences like Kumbhīpāka.
Do not exploit or deprive honest, service-minded people of their livelihood; power and position do not remove accountability. Uphold fair dealing, restitution, and humility to avoid creating suffering and heavy karmic debt.