Shloka 43
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
ब्राह्मणार्थो ह्यपहृतो हर्तारं पातयत्यध: । अजानन्तमपि ह्येनं नृगं ब्राह्मणगौरिव ॥ ४३ ॥
brāhmaṇārtho hy apahṛto hartāraṁ pātayaty adhaḥ ajānantam api hy enaṁ nṛgaṁ brāhmaṇa-gaur iva
When a brāhmaṇa’s property is taken away, even unknowingly, it surely brings the taker down, just as the brāhmaṇa’s cow brought down Nṛga.
The Lord here demonstrates that His instructions are not theoretical but practical, as seen concretely in the case of Nṛga Mahārāja.
FAQs
This verse states that misappropriating what belongs to or is meant for a brāhmaṇa causes the taker to fall into a degraded condition, even if the act was done unknowingly.
To emphasize the strictness of dharma regarding brāhmaṇa property—King Nṛga’s lack of malicious intent did not fully protect him from the karmic consequence of the mistaken transfer of a brāhmaṇa’s cow.
Be meticulous with honesty in donations, payments, and handling others’ assets—especially anything meant for sacred purposes—and promptly rectify mistakes when discovered.