Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 4
Portents at the Birth of Diti’s Sons and Hiraṇyākṣa Challenges Varuṇa
सहाचला भुवश्चेलुर्दिश: सर्वा: प्रजज्वलु: । सोल्काश्चाशनय: पेतु: केतवश्चार्तिहेतव: ॥ ४ ॥
sahācalā bhuvaś celur diśaḥ sarvāḥ prajajvaluḥ solkāś cāśanayaḥ petuḥ ketavaś cārti-hetavaḥ
山々を伴って大地は揺れ、四方は燃え立つかのようであった。火球や雷霆が落ち、土星のような凶兆の星々に加え、彗星や流星も現れ、大いなる苦難の兆しとなった。
When natural disturbances occur on a planet, one should understand that a demon must have taken birth there. In the present age the number of demoniac people is increasing; therefore natural disturbances are also increasing. There is no doubt about this, as we can understand from the statements of the Bhāgavatam.
FAQs
This verse describes earthquakes, blazing directions, meteors, lightning, and comets as ārti-hetavaḥ—portents indicating impending distress and upheaval in the world-order.
In the narrative, these phenomena arise as ominous signs around the time of great conflict and the surge of adharma connected with Hiraṇyākṣa’s aggression.
It encourages vigilance: when warning signs appear—social, personal, or ethical—one should strengthen dharma, seek shelter in the Lord, and act responsibly rather than ignore consequences.