Shloka 1.40.3
सगरपुत्राणां रसातलगमनम् — The Descent of Sagara’s Sons and the Wrath of Kapila
पृथिव्याश्चापि निर्भेदोऽदृष्ट एव सनातन:।।।।सगरस्य च पुत्राणां विनाशोऽदीर्घजीविनाम्।
pṛthivyāś cāpi nirbhedo ’dṛṣṭa eva sanātanaḥ | sagarasya ca putrāṇāṃ vināśo ’dīrghajīvinām |
From ancient time, the rending of the earth was ordained by fate; and so too was the destruction of Sagara’s sons, those not destined for long life.
The excavation of this earth and the destruction of the short lived sons of Sagara is pre-destined since eternity'.
The verse frames events within karma/adṛṣṭa, reminding that dharma includes humility before cosmic order; human anger and pride often become instruments through which destiny unfolds.
The narration comments that the earth’s excavation and the impending end of Sagara’s sons were long ordained.
A reflective virtue is emphasized: acceptance and discernment regarding the limits of human agency in the face of destiny.