Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 8
Viśvarūpa’s Death, Vṛtrāsura’s Manifestation, and the Devas’ Surrender to Nārāyaṇa
तुर्यं छेदविरोहेण वरेण जगृहुर्द्रुमा: । तेषां निर्यासरूपेण ब्रह्महत्या प्रदृश्यते ॥ ८ ॥
turyaṁ cheda-viroheṇa vareṇa jagṛhur drumāḥ teṣāṁ niryāsa-rūpeṇa brahma-hatyā pradṛśyate
In exchange for Indra’s boon that their cut branches and twigs would grow again, the trees accepted one fourth of the sinful reaction for the killing of a brāhmaṇa. That sin is seen as the sap that oozes from trees.
FAQs
This verse explains that trees accepted a portion of the brahma-hatyā reaction, and that reaction is perceived as resin (niryāsa) flowing from them.
They accepted one fourth of the reaction in exchange for a boon: even when cut, they would grow again (regrowth after cutting).
It highlights that actions carry consequences that may be shared or transferred through agreements, so one should act responsibly, seek dharmic solutions, and avoid harmful acts that create heavy reactions.