King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
काककृष्णोऽतिह्रस्वाङ्गो ह्रस्वबाहुर्महाहनु: । ह्रस्वपान्निम्ननासाग्रो रक्ताक्षस्ताम्रमूर्धज: ॥ ४४ ॥
kāka-kṛṣṇo ’tihrasvāṅgo hrasva-bāhur mahā-hanuḥ hrasva-pān nimna-nāsāgro raktākṣas tāmra-mūrdhajaḥ
वेनराजाच्या मांड्यांतून जन्मलेला तो पुरुष ‘बाहुक’ म्हणून ओळखला गेला. त्याचा वर्ण कावळ्यासारखा काळा होता; त्याचे अवयव अतिशय ठेंगणे, बाहू व पाय लहान, जबडा मोठा, नाक चपटे, डोळे लालसर आणि केस तांबूस होते।
This verse describes Vena’s ominous physical traits—crow-black complexion, stunted limbs, red eyes, and coppery hair—presented as external signs accompanying an irreligious disposition.
In the narrative of King Vena, the detailed description underscores how destructive tendencies in a ruler can be recognizable and consequential, setting the stage for the sages’ response and the restoration of dharma.
The Bhagavatam warns that leadership without dharma becomes harmful; therefore, cultivate self-discipline, humility, and accountability so power does not turn into oppression.