Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 11
Purañjana Captivated by Lust; Time (Caṇḍavega) and Old Age (Kālakanyā) Begin the Siege
ईजे च क्रतुभिर्घोरैर्दीक्षित: पशुमारकै: । देवान् पितृन् भूतपतीन्नानाकामो यथा भवान् ॥ ११ ॥
īje ca kratubhir ghorair dīkṣitaḥ paśu-mārakaiḥ devān pitṝn bhūta-patīn nānā-kāmo yathā bhavān
نارد نے کہا—اے راجا پراچینبرہشت! تمہاری طرح راجا پورنجن بھی بے شمار خواہشوں میں پھنس گیا۔ اسی لیے اس نے جانوروں کے قتل کی خواہش سے اُبھارے گئے ہولناک یَجْیوں کے ذریعے دیوتاؤں، پِتروں اور سماجی پیشواؤں کی پوجا کی۔
In this verse the great sage Nārada discloses that the character of Purañjana was being described to give lessons to King Prācīnabarhiṣat. Actually the entire description was figuratively describing the activities of King Prācīnabarhiṣat. In this verse Nārada frankly says “like you” ( yathā bhavān ), which indicates that King Purañjana is none other than King Prācīnabarhiṣat himself. Being a great Vaiṣṇava, Nārada Muni wanted to stop animal-killing in sacrifices. He knew that if he tried to stop the King from performing sacrifices, the King would not hear him. Therefore he is describing the life of Purañjana. But in this verse he first discloses the intention, although not fully, by saying “like you.” Generally the karmīs, who are attached to increasing descendants, have to perform so many sacrifices and worship so many demigods for future generations and satisfy so many leaders, politicians, philosophers and scientists to make things go on properly for future generations. The so-called scientists are very eager to see that future generations will live very comfortably, and as such they are trying to find different means of generating energy to drive locomotives, cars, airplanes and so on. Now they are exhausting the petroleum supply. These activities are described in the Bhagavad-gītā (2.41) :
FAQs
This verse criticizes “ghora” sacrifices involving animal killing as desire-driven worship aimed at material goals, implying such ritualism keeps one bound rather than leading to pure devotion.
Because the king was absorbed in elaborate Vedic sacrifices for worldly results; Nārada, through the Purañjana allegory, redirected him from fruitive ritualism to spiritual realization and devotion.
Reduce “many-goal” living driven by status and rewards, and re-center daily actions as offerings to the Supreme (bhakti), choosing practices that purify desire rather than multiply it.