Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 32
Pauṇḍraka’s False Vāsudeva Claim, His Death, and the Burning of Vārāṇasī by Sudarśana
ततोऽग्निरुत्थित: कुण्डान्मूर्तिमानतिभीषण: । तप्तताम्रशिखाश्मश्रुरङ्गारोद्गारिलोचन: ॥ ३२ ॥ दंष्ट्रोग्रभ्रुकुटीदण्डकठोरास्य: स्वजिह्वया । आलिहन् सृक्वणी नग्नो विधुन्वंस्त्रिशिखं ज्वलत् ॥ ३३ ॥
tato ’gnir utthitaḥ kuṇḍān mūrtimān ati-bhīṣaṇaḥ tapta-tāmra-śikhā-śmaśrur aṅgārodgāri-locanaḥ
Alors le feu s'éleva de la fosse de l'autel, prenant la forme d'une personne nue extrêmement effrayante. La barbe et la touffe de cheveux de la créature ardente étaient comme du cuivre fondu, et ses yeux émettaient des braises ardentes. Son visage était des plus effrayants avec ses crocs et ses terribles sourcils froncés. Tout en léchant les coins de sa bouche avec sa langue, le démon secouait son trident enflammé.
FAQs
In this passage, Śukadeva describes a terrifying, embodied form of fire rising from the sacrificial pit—showing how ritual power can manifest as a formidable being within the narrative of Krishna’s divine pastimes.
The Bhagavatam often depicts fearsome manifestations to highlight the intensity of adharmic aggression and the dramatic unfolding of divine protection and justice within Krishna-līlā.
It reminds a seeker that unseen forces—time, karma, and divine law—can manifest powerfully; cultivating humility, dharma, and devotion is safer than relying on pride or hostile intent.