Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 20
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
श्रीशुक उवाच सौदासो मृगयां किञ्चिच्चरन् रक्षो जघान ह । मुमोच भ्रातरं सोऽथ गत: प्रतिचिकीर्षया ॥ २० ॥ सञ्चिन्तयन्नघं राज्ञ: सूदरूपधरो गृहे । गुरवे भोक्तुकामाय पक्त्वा निन्ये नरामिषम् ॥ २१ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca saudāso mṛgayāṁ kiñcic caran rakṣo jaghāna ha mumoca bhrātaraṁ so ’tha gataḥ praticikīrṣayā
श्रीशुक उवाच—कदाचित् सौदासो मृगयां चरन् वने रक्षसं जघान; तस्य भ्रातरं तु दयया मुमोच। स भ्राता प्रतिचिकीर्षया राज्ञोऽघं सञ्चिन्तयन् सूदरूपं धृत्वा राजगृहे प्रविष्टः। अथ गुरवे वसिष्ठाय भोक्तुकामाय निमन्त्रिताय पक्त्वा नरामिषं तस्मै निन्ये।
FAQs
This verse shows how an act (killing a rākṣasa) can trigger a chain reaction—mercy to the surviving brother still leaves room for retaliation—highlighting the unfolding of karma and the danger of revenge.
Though spared, he remained aggrieved by his brother’s death; the verse states he left with the intention of retaliation, setting up the next events in Saudāsa’s narrative.
Even when one tries to correct a situation with mercy, unresolved hostility can persist; act responsibly, avoid needless violence, and anticipate consequences while choosing dharmic restraint.