Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 17
The Kuru Line, Bhīṣma and Vyāsa; Pāṇḍavas, Parīkṣit, and Future Kings
Chandravaṁśa Continuation
एवमुक्तो द्विजैर्ज्येष्ठं छन्दयामास सोऽब्रवीत् । तन्मन्त्रिप्रहितैर्विप्रैर्वेदाद् विभ्रंशितो गिरा ॥ १६ ॥ वेदवादातिवादान् वै तदा देवो ववर्ष ह । देवापिर्योगमास्थाय कलापग्राममाश्रित: ॥ १७ ॥
evam ukto dvijair jyeṣṭhaṁ chandayām āsa so ’bravīt tan-mantri-prahitair viprair vedād vibhraṁśito girā
Quando os brāhmaṇas disseram isso, o Mahārāja Śāntanu foi à floresta e rogou ao irmão mais velho, Devāpi, que assumisse o encargo do reino para sustentar os súditos. Porém, instigados pelo ministro, alguns brāhmaṇas levaram Devāpi a desviar-se das injunções védicas; ele censurou os Vedas e não aceitou o trono. Assim, Śāntanu voltou a reinar, e Indra, satisfeito, derramou chuvas. Mais tarde, Devāpi seguiu o caminho do yoga e retirou-se para Kalāpagrāma, onde ainda reside.
FAQs
This verse shows that when speech and policy drift from Vedic authority into excessive argumentation, social order is disturbed—symbolized here by the disruption of rain and prosperity.
The narrative states that Devāpi withdrew from political conflict and adopted yoga, residing in Kalāpa, indicating renunciation and spiritual discipline when dharma in governance was undermined.
The verse encourages aligning one’s decisions and speech with authentic, time-tested principles and avoiding ego-driven debate—supporting harmony, clarity, and responsible leadership.