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
Nang maunawaan ni Vasiṣṭha na ang laman ng tao ay inihain ng Rākṣasa at hindi ng hari, nagsagawa siya ng labindalawang taong pag-aayuno at pagninilay upang luminis sa kasalanang pagsumpa sa walang-salang hari. Samantala, si Saudāsa ay kumuha ng tubig sa palad at bumigkas ng mantra ng sumpa upang sumpain si Vasiṣṭha, ngunit pinigilan siya ni Madayantī. Pagkaraan, nakita ng hari na ang sampung dako, ang langit, at ang ibabaw ng daigdig ay punô ng mga nilalang sa lahat ng dako.
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.