Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 18
Vīrabhadra Destroys Dakṣa’s Sacrifice
Dakṣa-yajña-vināśa
सर्व एवर्त्विजो दृष्ट्वा सदस्या: सदिवौकस: । तैरर्द्यमाना: सुभृशं ग्रावभिर्नैकधाद्रवन् ॥ १८ ॥
sarva evartvijo dṛṣṭvā sadasyāḥ sa-divaukasaḥ tair ardyamānāḥ subhṛśaṁ grāvabhir naikadhā ’dravan
Caiu uma chuva contínua de pedras. Todos os ṛtvijs, os membros reunidos e os devas presentes sofreram imensamente; temendo pela vida, dispersaram-se e fugiram em várias direções.
FAQs
This verse describes how the priests, assembly members, and even demigods at Dakṣa’s sacrifice were pelted with stones and fled in fear, showing the collapse of a yajña performed in offense and pride.
In the narrative of Canto 4, Chapter 5, Śiva’s followers disrupt the sacrificial arena; as the attack intensifies, the participants—priests, officials, and demigods—are driven to scatter and run.
Religious or spiritual activity loses its sanctity when fueled by ego and disrespect; this verse highlights that arrogance and offense can destroy even impressive “ritual success,” urging humility and reverence.