Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 3
Nārada’s Protection of Kayādhu and Prahlāda’s Womb-Instructions: Ātma-tattva and the Path of Bhakti
पिपीलिकैरहिरिव दिष्टया लोकोपतापन: । पापेन पापोऽभक्षीति वदन्तो वासवादय: ॥ ३ ॥
pipīlikair ahir iva diṣṭyā lokopatāpanaḥ pāpena pāpo ’bhakṣīti vadanto vāsavādayaḥ
“唉！正如小蚁噬蛇，那扰乱世间的希兰尼亚卡西普，如今被自己罪业的果报所击败。”因陀罗等天神说罢，便布置与诸魔交战。
FAQs
This verse states that a sinner can be “devoured by his own sin”—meaning suffering arises as the natural reaction to one’s wrongdoing, functioning like an inbuilt justice.
In the Prahlāda-related narrative, the devas often suffer under oppressive forces; here they express relief that the world’s oppressor is being checked by the consequences of his own actions.
Act with integrity and restraint, recognizing that harmful choices tend to return as suffering—while dharmic living reduces turmoil and supports inner peace.