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
すると、祭壇の穴から火が立ち上がり、非常に恐ろしい裸の人物の姿をとりました。その炎のような生き物の髭と髪の束は溶けた銅のようで、目は燃え盛る炭火を放っていました。牙と恐ろしく吊り上がった眉を持つその顔は、最も恐ろしいものでした。舌で口の端を舐めながら、その悪魔は燃える三叉の槍を振り回しました。
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.