Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 42
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
यो देवैरर्थितो दैत्यानवधीद् युधि दुर्जय: । मुहूर्तमायुर्ज्ञात्वैत्य स्वपुरं सन्दधे मन: ॥ ४२ ॥
yo devair arthito daityān avadhīd yudhi durjayaḥ muhūrtam āyur jñātvaitya sva-puraṁ sandadhe manaḥ
El rey Khaṭvāṅga era invencible en cualquier lucha. Solicitado por los semidioses para unirse a ellos en la lucha contra los demonios, obtuvo la victoria, y los semidioses, muy complacidos, quisieron darle una bendición. El Rey les preguntó sobre la duración de su vida y se le informó que solo le quedaba un momento más. Así, inmediatamente dejó su palacio y fue a su propia residencia, donde ocupó su mente completamente en los pies de loto del Señor.
The example of Mahārāja Khaṭvāṅga in performing devotional service is brilliant. Mahārāja Khaṭvāṅga engaged himself for only a moment in devotional service to the Lord, but he was promoted back to Godhead. Therefore, if one practices devotional service from the beginning of his life, surely he will return home, back to Godhead, without a doubt ( asaṁśaya ).
FAQs
This verse shows that when a person realizes life is about to end, the wise withdraw from external engagements and fix the mind on one’s true abode—turning inward toward the ultimate goal rather than remaining absorbed in temporary victories.
As a righteous ruler, he upheld kṣatriya-dharma—protecting cosmic order by defending the devas and subduing destructive forces represented by the Daityas.
Do your duties responsibly, but keep awareness of time’s limits; regularly re-center your mind on your highest spiritual aim so that life’s final moments find you inwardly prepared, not merely busy.