Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 14
The Curse on the Yadus Begins: Kṛṣṇa’s Plan to Withdraw His Dynasty
क्रीडन्तस्तानुपव्रज्य कुमारा यदुनन्दना: । उपसङ्गृह्य पप्रच्छुरविनीता विनीतवत् ॥ १३ ॥ ते वेषयित्वा स्त्रीवेषै: साम्बं जाम्बवतीसुतम् । एषा पृच्छति वो विप्रा अन्तर्वत्न्यसितेक्षणा ॥ १४ ॥ प्रष्टुं विलज्जती साक्षात् प्रब्रूतामोघदर्शना: । प्रसोष्यन्ती पुत्रकामा किंस्वित् सञ्जनयिष्यति ॥ १५ ॥
krīḍantas tān upavrajya kumārā yadu-nandanāḥ upasaṅgṛhya papracchur avinītā vinīta-vat
Ang mga binatang lalaki ng angkan ng Yadu, habang naglalaro, ay lumapit sa mga pantas na nagkatipon doon. Binihisan nila si Sāmba, anak ni Jāmbavatī, ng kasuotang pambabae, saka hinawakan ang mga paa ng mga pantas at—bagaman walang-galang—nagkunwaring mapagpakumbaba at nagtanong: “O mga marurunong na brāhmaṇa, ang buntis na babaeng ito na may maiitim na mata ay may itatanong sa inyo; nahihiya siyang magtanong nang siya mismo. O mga dakilang rishi na di nagkakamali ang paningin, malapit na siyang manganak at nagnanais ng anak na lalaki—sabihin ninyo, lalaki ba o babae ang isisilang?”
Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī has made the following comment: “The impudent behavior of the young Yadus toward the sages headed by Nārada, who were all brāhmaṇas and devotees of the Lord, was a display of deviation from the path of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Similarly, although the prākṛta-sahajiyās think of themselves as intimate associates of Kṛṣṇa, the supremely merciful Lord’s determination is perfectly correct in working to finish such false devotees. Such impostors actually never accept real service to Kṛṣṇa. The yadu-kumāras’ deception is termed ‘seemingly humble,’ meaning that in fact they were anything but humble. Therefore, the ridiculing of Vaiṣṇavas by the Lord’s family resulted in a great offense against the devotees of the Lord.”
FAQs
This verse shows the Yadu youths approaching sages with outward humility but inward impudence, setting the stage for a grave offense that brings destructive consequences.
They were playing and intended a mocking prank; therefore they posed as well-behaved while actually being disrespectful, which made their act more offensive.
Avoid performative humility. Genuine respect, especially toward teachers and holy persons, protects one from avoidable harm caused by pride and mockery.