Shloka 26
The Dynasty of Vaivasvata Manu Begins — Ilā/Sudyumna and the Birth of Purūravā
तस्मिन् प्रविष्ट एवासौ सुद्युम्न: परवीरहा । अपश्यत् स्रियमात्मानमश्वं च वडवां नृप ॥ २६ ॥
tasmin praviṣṭa evāsau sudyumnaḥ para-vīra-hā apaśyat striyam ātmānam aśvaṁ ca vaḍavāṁ nṛpa
O King Parīkṣit, the moment Sudyumna—slayer of rival heroes—entered that forest, he beheld himself transformed into a woman, and his horse transformed into a mare.
FAQs
This verse states that upon entering a particular sacred/forbidden region, Sudyumna immediately found himself transformed into a woman, indicating a powerful divine or mystic influence governing that place.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is narrating this history to King Parīkṣit as part of the Ninth Canto’s dynastic accounts.
Even the strongest and most accomplished person is subject to higher laws; humility, restraint, and reliance on the Lord are essential when facing sudden reversals beyond one’s control.