Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 15
Yayāti, Devayānī, Śarmiṣṭhā, and the Exchange of Youth: The Unsatisfied Nature of Desire
एवं क्षिपन्तीं शर्मिष्ठा गुरुपुत्रीमभाषत । रुषा श्वसन्त्युरङ्गीव धर्षिता दष्टदच्छदा ॥ १५ ॥
evaṁ kṣipantīṁ śarmiṣṭhā guru-putrīm abhāṣata ruṣā śvasanty uraṅgīva dharṣitā daṣṭa-dacchadā
シュカデーヴァ・ゴースワーミーは言った。このように残酷な言葉で非難され、シャルミシュターは激怒した。蛇のように荒く息をし、歯で下唇を噛みながら、彼女はシュクラーチャールヤの娘に次のように言った。
FAQs
This verse portrays how biting words inflame anger—Śarmiṣṭhā reacts “like a serpent,” showing that insults can quickly escalate conflict and lead to sinful actions.
Devayānī was repeatedly insulting her; feeling deeply affronted, Śarmiṣṭhā—overcome by rage—replied, setting the stage for the ensuing incident in their narrative.
Avoid retaliating to provocation with sharp words; pause before responding, because reactive speech multiplies conflict and can trigger consequences far beyond the original offense.