Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 3
Nārada’s Protection of Kayādhu and Prahlāda’s Womb-Instructions: Ātma-tattva and the Path of Bhakti
पिपीलिकैरहिरिव दिष्टया लोकोपतापन: । पापेन पापोऽभक्षीति वदन्तो वासवादय: ॥ ३ ॥
pipīlikair ahir iva diṣṭyā lokopatāpanaḥ pāpena pāpo ’bhakṣīti vadanto vāsavādayaḥ
“Aduhai! Seperti ular dimakan semut-semut kecil, demikianlah Hiraṇyakaśipu yang menyusahkan dunia kini dikalahkan oleh buah dosanya sendiri.” Dengan berkata demikian, para dewa yang dipimpin Indra menyiapkan perang melawan para daitya.
FAQs
This verse states that a sinner can be “devoured by his own sin”—meaning suffering arises as the natural reaction to one’s wrongdoing, functioning like an inbuilt justice.
In the Prahlāda-related narrative, the devas often suffer under oppressive forces; here they express relief that the world’s oppressor is being checked by the consequences of his own actions.
Act with integrity and restraint, recognizing that harmful choices tend to return as suffering—while dharmic living reduces turmoil and supports inner peace.