Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 5
Śrāddhadeva Manu’s Sons: Pṛṣadhra’s Curse and Renunciation; Genealogies of Nariṣyanta and Diṣṭa
एकां जग्राह बलवान् सा चुक्रोश भयातुरा । तस्यास्तु क्रन्दितं श्रुत्वा पृषध्रोऽनुससार ह ॥ ५ ॥ खड्गमादाय तरसा प्रलीनोडुगणे निशि । अजानन्नच्छिनोद् बभ्रो: शिर: शार्दूलशङ्कया ॥ ६ ॥
ekāṁ jagrāha balavān sā cukrośa bhayāturā tasyās tu kranditaṁ śrutvā pṛṣadhro ’nusasāra ha
El tigre, muy poderoso, atrapó a una vaca, y ella mugió gritando de miedo. Al oír su clamor, Pṛṣadhra corrió tras el sonido. Pero como las nubes ocultaban las estrellas en la noche, tomó la espada y, confundiendo a la vaca con el tigre, por error le cercenó la cabeza con gran fuerza.
FAQs
This verse shows immediate kṣatriya responsibility—on hearing a cow’s cry of fear, Pṛṣadhra rushes to protect her, illustrating dharma as active protection of the vulnerable.
Because he heard the cow’s terrified cry and, as a protector, responded instantly to stop the attack and rescue her.
Respond promptly when someone is in danger or distress—dharma is not passive; it is compassionate, timely action to protect others.