Shloka 39

Balarāma Humbles the Kurus and Rescues Sāmba

Devanagari script

अहो ऐश्वर्यमत्तानां मत्तानामिव मानिनाम् । असम्बद्धा गिरो रुक्षा: क: सहेतानुशासिता ॥ ३९ ॥

Transliteration

aho aiśvarya-mattānāṁ mattānām iva māninām asambaddhā giṛo rukṣāḥ kaḥ sahetānuśāsītā

Translation

Lihatlah! Kaum Kuru yang angkuh ini mabuk dengan kuasa yang mereka sangka agung, seperti orang mabuk biasa. Kata-kata mereka yang tidak berkaitan dan kasar—penguasa sejati yang berkuasa memerintah, siapa akan menanggungnya?

Synonyms

ahoalas!/oh!

aiśvarya-mattānāmof those intoxicated by power

mattānāmof the intoxicated

ivalike/as

mānināmof the proud (self-conceited)

asambaddhāḥincoherent/unconnected

giraḥwords/speech

rukṣāḥharsh/rough

kaḥwho

sahetāwould tolerate/endure

anuśāsitā(and) would admonish/discipline

Characters & Entities

Śukadeva Gosvāmī

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about pride caused by wealth and power?

This verse states that opulence can intoxicate a person, making their speech harsh and irrational, and such pride makes them difficult to tolerate or correct.

Why does Śukadeva Gosvāmī criticize the speech of the proud in this verse?

He highlights a common spiritual danger in worldly life—false prestige—showing that arrogance disrupts discernment and leads to cruel, disconnected speech.

How can this teaching be applied in modern life?

Practice humility and mindful speech: avoid speaking from ego, soften harsh words, and remain teachable even when successful or influential.