Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 33
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
एवं करुणभाषिण्या विलपन्त्या अनाथवत् । व्याघ्र: पशुमिवाखादत् सौदास: शापमोहित: ॥ ३३ ॥
evaṁ karuṇa-bhāṣiṇyā vilapantyā anāthavat vyāghraḥ paśum ivākhādat saudāsaḥ śāpa-mohitaḥ
Condenado por la maldición de Vasiṣṭha, el rey Saudāsa devoró al brāhmaṇa, exactamente como un tigre se come a su presa. Aunque la esposa del brāhmaṇa habló tan lastimosamente, Saudāsa no se conmovió por su lamento.
This is an example of destiny. King Saudāsa was condemned by the curse of Vasiṣṭha, and therefore even though he was well qualified he could not restrain himself from becoming a tigerlike Rākṣasa, for this was his destiny. Tal labhyate duḥkhavad anyataḥ sukham ( Bhāg. 1.5.18 ). As one is put into distress by destiny, destiny can also put one in a happy situation. Destiny is extremely strong, but one can change destiny if one comes to the platform of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Karmāṇi nirdahati kintu ca bhakti-bhājām ( Brahma-samhitā 5.54).
FAQs
This verse shows that a curse can overwhelm a person’s normal judgment and behavior—Saudāsa becomes “śāpa-mohitaḥ,” deluded by the curse, and commits a horrific act.
Because he was under the influence of a curse; the Bhagavatam describes him as “śāpa-mohitaḥ,” indicating his consciousness was eclipsed, leading him to act with animal-like ferocity.
Guard your character through self-control and spiritual discipline, because association, reactions, and powerful influences can distort judgment—so one should seek protection in dharma and devotion rather than acting on impulse.