Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 27
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
क्षुधार्तो जगृहे विप्रं तत्पत्न्याहाकृतार्थवत् । न भवान् राक्षस: साक्षादिक्ष्वाकूणां महारथ: ॥ २६ ॥ मदयन्त्या: पतिर्वीर नाधर्मं कर्तुमर्हसि । देहि मेऽपत्यकामाया अकृतार्थं पतिं द्विजम् ॥ २७ ॥
kṣudhārto jagṛhe vipraṁ tat-patny āhākṛtārthavat na bhavān rākṣasaḥ sākṣād ikṣvākūṇāṁ mahā-rathaḥ
受罗刹之性驱使、饥饿难耐的苏达萨抓住了那位婆罗门。那婆罗门的贫苦妻子哀求道：“勇士啊，你并非真正的食人者；你是伊克什瓦库王族的伟大战车武士，是摩达衍提的夫君。你不应行此不义之事。我渴望得子；请把尚未使我受孕的婆罗门丈夫还给我。”
FAQs
This verse highlights that harming a brāhmaṇa is against dharma; the brāhmaṇa’s wife reminds the king of his noble Ikṣvāku duty, implying a righteous ruler protects brāhmaṇas rather than exploiting them.
She contrasts demoniac, violent behavior with the expected conduct of an Ikṣvāku kṣatriya, urging him to act according to his noble lineage and restrain himself.
Even under pressure (like hunger or stress), one should not harm the innocent; remember one’s values and responsibilities before acting.