Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 33
Pauṇḍraka’s False Vāsudeva Claim, His Death, and the Burning of Vārāṇasī by Sudarśana
ततोऽग्निरुत्थित: कुण्डान्मूर्तिमानतिभीषण: । तप्तताम्रशिखाश्मश्रुरङ्गारोद्गारिलोचन: ॥ ३२ ॥ दंष्ट्रोग्रभ्रुकुटीदण्डकठोरास्य: स्वजिह्वया । आलिहन् सृक्वणी नग्नो विधुन्वंस्त्रिशिखं ज्वलत् ॥ ३३ ॥
tato ’gnir utthitaḥ kuṇḍān mūrtimān ati-bhīṣaṇaḥ tapta-tāmra-śikhā-śmaśrur aṅgārodgāri-locanaḥ
随后，火焰从祭坛坑中升起，化作一个极其可怕的赤身裸体的人形。这火一般的生物胡须和头发像熔化的铜，眼睛喷射出炽热的煤渣。他的脸因獠牙和可怕的皱眉而显得极其狰狞。恶魔一边用舌头舔着嘴角，一边挥舞着燃烧的三叉戟。
FAQs
In this verse, Śukadeva describes a terrifying embodied fire-being arising from a fire-pit, showing that hostile rites can manifest destructive entities—yet such powers remain ultimately subordinate to the Supreme Lord’s will.
In the narrative surrounding this chapter, the king of Kāśī acts out of enmity and vengeance against Kṛṣṇa, employing ritual power to generate a destructive force; the verse depicts the frightening form of that manifestation.
It cautions against using spirituality for harm or ego-driven revenge and encourages taking shelter of dharma and devotion, trusting that divine protection is stronger than fear, intimidation, or occult hostility.