Shloka 25
Mohinī-mūrti Distributes Amṛta; Rāhu is Severed; Results Differ by Shelter
चक्रेण क्षुरधारेण जहार पिबत: शिर: । हरिस्तस्य कबन्धस्तु सुधयाप्लावितोऽपतत् ॥ २५ ॥
cakreṇa kṣura-dhāreṇa jahāra pibataḥ śiraḥ haris tasya kabandhas tu sudhayāplāvito ’patat
चक्रेण क्षुरधारेण जहार पिबत: शिर: । हरिस्तस्य कबन्धस्तु सुधयाप्लावितोऽपतत् ॥ २५ ॥
When the Personality of Godhead, Mohinī-mūrti, severed Rāhu’s head from his body, the head remained alive although the body died. Rāhu had been drinking nectar through his mouth, and before the nectar entered his body, his head was cut off. Thus Rāhu’s head remained alive whereas the body died. This wonderful act performed by the Lord was meant to show that nectar is miraculous ambrosia.
FAQs
In Canto 8, Chapter 9, this verse states that as Rāhu drank the nectar, Lord Hari cut off his head with the razor-edged Sudarśana disc, yet the trunk—touched by amṛta—did not perish immediately.
Rāhu had entered the line of devas in disguise to steal amṛta. When he was exposed, the Lord protected the rightful distribution by severing his head with Sudarśana.
Spiritual gifts gained through deceit invite swift correction; divine order protects dharma, and integrity is essential when seeking sacred benefits.