Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 16
Jaḍa Bharata’s Birth, Feigned Madness, and Protection by Goddess Kālī
अथ वृषलराजपणि: पुरुषपशोरसृगासवेन देवीं भद्रकालीं यक्ष्यमाणस्तदभिमन्त्रितमसिमतिकरालनिशितमुपाददे ॥ १६ ॥
atha vṛṣala-rāja-paṇiḥ puruṣa-paśor asṛg-āsavena devīṁ bhadra-kālīṁ yakṣyamāṇas tad-abhimantritam asim ati-karāla-niśitam upādade.
En ese momento, uno de los ladrones, actuando como sacerdote principal, estaba listo para ofrecer a la diosa Bhadrakālī la sangre de Jaḍa Bharata, a quien imaginaban como “hombre‑animal”, para que la bebiera como licor. Por ello tomó una espada sumamente terrible y afilada, consagrada con el mantra de Bhadrakālī, y la alzó para matar a Jaḍa Bharata.
FAQs
This verse depicts bandits committing adharma—attempting to worship Bhadrakālī through a blood offering from a human victim—showing the perversion of religion when driven by violence and ignorance.
In the narrative, the bandits are deluded and cruel; they seek success and power through a fear-based ritual, treating a man as a sacrificial animal and preparing a mantra-consecrated sword for the act.
The verse warns against using “religion” to justify harm—true dharma and bhakti never require cruelty; spiritual practice should increase compassion, purity, and reverence for life.