Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 17
Purukutsa’s Rasātala Victory; Triśaṅku and Hariścandra; Rohita and Śunaḥśepha
पितरं वरुणग्रस्तं श्रुत्वा जातमहोदरम् । रोहितो ग्राममेयाय तमिन्द्र: प्रत्यषेधत ॥ १७ ॥
pitaraṁ varuṇa-grastaṁ śrutvā jāta-mahodaram rohito grāmam eyāya tam indraḥ pratyaṣedhata
Nang marinig ni Rohita na sinalanta ng Varuṇa ang kanyang ama ng sakit na pamamaga ng tiyan at lumaki ang kanyang sikmura, nais niyang bumalik sa kabisera; ngunit pinagbawalan siya ni Indra.
FAQs
This verse indicates Hariścandra was seized by Varuṇa, leading to a severe bodily affliction; in the surrounding narrative, the affliction arises from unresolved duty and the consequences of failing to fulfill a vow/obligation connected with Varuṇa.
Indra intervened to prevent Rohita from returning home at that moment, steering the course of events in the unfolding narrative; the verse highlights divine interference by a deva in Rohita’s attempt to respond to his father’s crisis.
When duty, promises, and consequences collide, external obstacles may arise; the verse encourages careful discernment, responsibility, and seeking higher guidance rather than reacting impulsively to distressing news.