Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 24
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
रक्ष:कृतं तद् विदित्वा चक्रे द्वादशवार्षिकम् । सोऽप्यपोऽञ्जलिमादाय गुरुं शप्तुं समुद्यत: ॥ २३ ॥ वारितो मदयन्त्यापो रुशती: पादयोर्जहौ । दिश: खमवनीं सर्वं पश्यञ्जीवमयं नृप: ॥ २४ ॥
rakṣaḥ-kṛtaṁ tad viditvā cakre dvādaśa-vārṣikam so ’py apo-’ñjalim ādāya guruṁ śaptuṁ samudyataḥ
वसिष्ठो रक्षःकृतं मानुषमांसोपहारं ज्ञात्वा निरपराधं नृपं शप्तवानिति स्वशापदोषशुद्ध्यर्थं द्वादशवार्षिकं तपश्चकार। अथ सौदासोऽपि जलाञ्जलिमादाय शापमन्त्रं जपन् वसिष्ठं शप्तुमुद्यतः; मदयन्त्याऽथ स निवारितः। ततः स नृपो दिशः खं चावनीं च सर्वं जीवमयं व्याप्तं ददर्श।
FAQs
This verse highlights a grave lapse: even after understanding the real cause (a Rākṣasa), the person becomes ready to curse the guru—indicating how dangerous misdirected anger and guru-offense can be.
The narrative shows how agitation and frustration can overpower discrimination; despite knowing a Rākṣasa was responsible, he still turned his blame toward the guru, revealing the pull of offense and ego.
Pause before reacting, verify the real cause of a problem, and respond with humility—especially toward teachers/mentors—so that frustration does not turn into harmful speech or blame.