Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 33
Nārāyaṇa’s Impartiality, Absorption in Kṛṣṇa, and the Jaya–Vijaya Descent
Prelude to Prahlāda’s History
मातृष्वस्रेयो वश्चैद्यो दन्तवक्रश्च पाण्डव । पार्षदप्रवरौ विष्णोर्विप्रशापात्पदच्युतौ ॥ ३३ ॥
mātṛ-ṣvasreyo vaś caidyo dantavakraś ca pāṇḍava pārṣada-pravarau viṣṇor vipra-śāpāt pada-cyutau
Nagpatuloy si Nārada Muni: O pinakamainam sa mga Pāṇḍava, ang inyong mga pinsan na sina Śiśupāla (Caidya) at Dantavakra—mga anak ng kapatid na babae ng inyong ina—noon ay mga dakilang kasamahan ni Panginoong Viṣṇu; ngunit dahil sa sumpa ng mga brāhmaṇa, sila’y nahulog mula Vaikuṇṭha patungo sa mundong materyal na ito.
Śiśupāla and Dantavakra were not ordinary demons, but were formerly personal associates of Lord Viṣṇu. They apparently fell to this material world, but actually they came to assist the Supreme Personality of Godhead by nourishing His pastimes within this world.
FAQs
This verse states that Śiśupāla (king of Cedi) and Dantavakra were originally exalted attendants of Lord Viṣṇu, but they fell from that post due to a brāhmaṇa’s curse.
Śukadeva addresses Yudhiṣṭhira as “Pāṇḍava” and notes Śiśupāla’s relation through Yudhiṣṭhira’s mother’s side, to highlight the personal and historical connection within the narrative.
It teaches reverence for saintly persons and the gravity of offenses—words and actions have consequences—while also showing that even apparent downfall can be woven into the Lord’s higher purpose.