Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 17
The Kuru Line, Bhīṣma and Vyāsa; Pāṇḍavas, Parīkṣit, and Future Kings
Chandravaṁśa Continuation
एवमुक्तो द्विजैर्ज्येष्ठं छन्दयामास सोऽब्रवीत् । तन्मन्त्रिप्रहितैर्विप्रैर्वेदाद् विभ्रंशितो गिरा ॥ १६ ॥ वेदवादातिवादान् वै तदा देवो ववर्ष ह । देवापिर्योगमास्थाय कलापग्राममाश्रित: ॥ १७ ॥
evam ukto dvijair jyeṣṭhaṁ chandayām āsa so ’bravīt tan-mantri-prahitair viprair vedād vibhraṁśito girā
ブラーフマナたちがこう述べると、マハーラージャ・シャーンタヌは森へ赴き、民を護るため王位を担うよう兄デーヴァーピに懇願した。だが大臣のそそのかしで一部のブラーフマナがデーヴァーピをヴェーダの規範から逸らせ、彼はヴェーダを誹り王位を受けなかった。そこでシャーンタヌが再び王となり、インドラは喜んで雨を降らせた。後にデーヴァーピはヨーガの道に入り、カラーパグラーマに住した。
FAQs
This verse shows that when speech and policy drift from Vedic authority into excessive argumentation, social order is disturbed—symbolized here by the disruption of rain and prosperity.
The narrative states that Devāpi withdrew from political conflict and adopted yoga, residing in Kalāpa, indicating renunciation and spiritual discipline when dharma in governance was undermined.
The verse encourages aligning one’s decisions and speech with authentic, time-tested principles and avoiding ego-driven debate—supporting harmony, clarity, and responsible leadership.