Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 42
Ikṣvāku Dynasty: Vikukṣi’s Offense, Purañjaya’s Victory, Māndhātā’s Birth, and Saubhari’s Fall and Renunciation
स विचिन्त्याप्रियं स्त्रीणां जरठोऽहमसन्मत: । वलीपलित एजत्क इत्यहं प्रत्युदाहृत: ॥ ४१ ॥ साधयिष्ये तथात्मानं सुरस्त्रीणामभीप्सितम् । किं पुनर्मनुजेन्द्राणामिति व्यवसित: प्रभु: ॥ ४२ ॥
sa vicintyāpriyaṁ strīṇāṁ jaraṭho ’ham asan-mataḥ valī-palita ejat-ka ity ahaṁ pratyudāhṛtaḥ
Saubhari Muni se dit : « Je suis désormais affaibli par la vieillesse; mes cheveux ont blanchi, ma peau s’est relâchée et ma tête tremble sans cesse. De plus, je suis un yogī; les femmes ne m’aiment donc pas. Puisque le roi m’a répondu ainsi, je façonnerai mon corps de sorte qu’il soit désirable même aux femmes célestes, à plus forte raison aux filles des rois de ce monde. »
FAQs
This verse highlights how the body inevitably becomes wrinkled, gray, and unsteady, urging reflection that worldly attractiveness is temporary.
The narrative emphasizes a turning point where one recognizes fading sensual appeal, which can provoke detachment from sense-enjoyment.
Use awareness of impermanence to prioritize character, devotion, and spiritual practice over external validation and temporary beauty.