Copyright (c) The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
| Canto 4: Creation of the Fourth Order | Chapter 14: The Story of King Vena |
Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Srimad Bhagavatam 4.14.3
SYNONYMS
srutva -- after hearing; nripa -- of the King; asana-gatam -- ascended to the throne; venam -- Vena; ati -- very; ugra -- severe; sasanam -- punisher; nililyuh -- hid themselves; dasyavah -- all the thieves; sadyah -- immediately; sarpa -- from snakes; trastah -- being afraid; iva -- like; akhavah -- rats.
TRANSLATION
It was already known that Vena was very severe and cruel; therefore, as soon as all the thieves and rogues in the state heard of his ascendance to the royal throne, they became very much afraid of him. Indeed, they hid themselves here and there as rats hide themselves from snakes.
PURPORT
When the government is very weak, rogues and thieves flourish. Similarly, when the government is very strong, all the thieves and rogues disappear or hide themselves. Of course Vena was not a very good king, but he was known to be cruel and severe. Thus the state at least became freed from thieves and rogues.
Copyright (c) The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness