Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 30
Pauṇḍraka’s False Vāsudeva Claim, His Death, and the Burning of Vārāṇasī by Sudarśana
दक्षिणाग्निं परिचर ब्राह्मणै: सममृत्विजम् । अभिचारविधानेन स चाग्नि: प्रमथैर्वृत: ॥ ३० ॥ साधयिष्यति सङ्कल्पमब्रह्मण्ये प्रयोजित: । इत्यादिष्टस्तथा चक्रे कृष्णायाभिचरन् व्रती ॥ ३१ ॥
dakṣiṇāgniṁ paricara brāhmaṇaiḥ samam ṛtvijam abhicāra-vidhānena sa cāgniḥ pramathair vṛtaḥ
Sinabi sa kanya ni Lord Shiva, 'Kasama ang mga brahmana, pagsilbihan ang apoy ng Daksinagni kasunod ang mga utos ng ritwal na abhicara. Pagkatapos ang apoy na iyon, kasama ang maraming Pramatha, ay tutuparin ang iyong nais kung itutuon mo ito laban sa isang kaaway ng mga brahmana.' Sa gayong utos, isinagawa ni Sudaksina ang ritwal laban kay Lord Krishna.
It is clearly stated here that the powerful Dakṣiṇāgni fire could be directed only against someone unfavorable to brahminical culture. Lord Kṛṣṇa, however, is most favorable to the brāhmaṇas and in fact maintains the brahminical culture. Lord Śiva thus knew that if Sudakṣiṇa attempted to direct the power of this ritual against Lord Kṛṣṇa, Sudakṣiṇa himself would perish.
FAQs
This verse shows abhicāra being invoked through a sacrificial fire and ghostly forces, yet in the Bhagavatam such hostile rites ultimately fail before the Lord’s supremacy and protection of dharma.
In this narrative, hostile kings—enraged after their allies were defeated—attempted a destructive rite to harm Kṛṣṇa, revealing their envy and opposition to divine order.
It cautions against using spiritual knowledge for harm and reminds seekers to align intention with dharma—malice rebounds, while devotion and integrity invite divine protection.