Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 19
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
श्रीराजोवाच किं निमित्तो गुरो: शाप: सौदासस्य महात्मन: । एतद् वेदितुमिच्छाम: कथ्यतां न रहो यदि ॥ १९ ॥
śrī-rājovāca kiṁ nimitto guroḥ śāpaḥ saudāsasya mahātmanaḥ etad veditum icchāmaḥ kathyatāṁ na raho yadi
O rei Parīkṣit disse: Ó mestre Śukadeva, por que Vasiṣṭha, o guia espiritual de Saudāsa, amaldiçoou aquela grande alma? Desejo saber; se não for assunto confidencial, por favor descreve-me.
FAQs
In this verse, King Parīkṣit specifically asks for the reason behind the guru’s curse upon Saudāsa, indicating that the narrative includes a moral and dharmic cause that Śukadeva will explain next.
Parīkṣit, eager to understand dharma and the workings of karma in royal lineages, requests Śukadeva to reveal the background of Saudāsa’s curse—provided it is not confidential.
It teaches humility and proper etiquette in learning: a sincere seeker asks clearly, but also respects that some teachings may be restricted by context, qualification, or tradition.