Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 11
The Sūtas Foretell the Glories and Future Deeds of King Pṛthu
दुरासदो दुर्विषह आसन्नोऽपि विदूरवत् । नैवाभिभवितुं शक्यो वेनारण्युत्थितोऽनल: ॥ ११ ॥
durāsado durviṣaha āsanno ’pi vidūravat naivābhibhavituṁ śakyo venāraṇy-utthito ’nalaḥ
Raja Pṛthu akan sukar didekati dan tidak tertahan bagi musuh. Walaupun berada dekat, bagi mereka baginda seolah-olah jauh. Baginda lahir daripada tubuh mati Raja Vena seperti api terbit daripada kayu araṇi; maka tiada siapa dapat mengatasi kekuatannya, dan musuh tidak akan mampu mendekatinya.
Araṇi wood is a kind of fuel used to ignite fire by friction. At the time of performing sacrifices, one can ignite a fire from araṇi wood. Although born of his dead father, King Pṛthu would still remain just like fire. Just as fire is not easily approached, King Pṛthu would be unapproachable by his enemies, even though they would appear to be very near him.
FAQs
It compares the hostile force arising from Vena’s side to a fire born in a forest—dangerous, spreading, and not easily subdued.
The verse describes the formidable opponent/force connected with Vena’s party—so powerful that even nearby it could not be easily confronted or overcome.
Unchecked adharma can grow into a crisis that becomes difficult to control; therefore one should address wrongdoing early and cultivate dharma, discipline, and responsible leadership.