Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 28
Purañjana Captivated by Lust; Time (Caṇḍavega) and Old Age (Kālakanyā) Begin the Siege
मया निरूपितस्तुभ्यं पतिरात्मसमाधिना । नाभिनन्दति लोकोऽयं त्वामभद्रामसम्मताम् ॥ २८ ॥
mayā nirūpitas tubhyaṁ patir ātma-samādhinā nābhinandati loko ’yaṁ tvām abhadrām asammatām
Vua của người Yavana trả lời: Sau khi cân nhắc kỹ lưỡng, ta đã tìm được một người chồng cho nàng. Thực ra, đối với mọi người, nàng là điềm gở và tai quái. Vì không ai thích nàng, làm sao có ai có thể chấp nhận nàng làm vợ?
After much consideration, the King of the Yavanas decided to make the best use of a bad bargain. Kālakanyā was a bad bargain, and no one liked her, but everything can be used for the service of the Lord. Thus the King of the Yavanas tried to utilize her for some purpose. The purpose has already been explained — that is, Kālakanyā as jarā, the invalidity of old age, can be used to arouse a sense of fear in people so that they will prepare for the next life by engaging in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
FAQs
This verse shows that society often judges by external labels—calling someone auspicious or inauspicious—while a wise person may decide based on inner discernment rather than public opinion.
He explains that although he has chosen a suitable husband for her by his own resolve, ordinary people do not welcome her due to their perception that she is “inauspicious,” highlighting the tension between wisdom and social sentiment.
Make important decisions with clarity and conscience, and do not let fluctuating public opinion alone determine your worth or choices—especially when society’s judgments are superficial.