Canto 4: The Creation of the Fourth Order
SB4.14

Canto 4 · Chapter 14 · 46 verses · 1 story

The Story of King Vena

Vena rejects the sages’ advice; after his death, they seek to preserve King Aṅga’s family.

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Who is speakingSūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → ViduraEvery voice in this chapter ›

What this chapter speaks about · the ten subjects

In this chapter

Who · King Vena, King Aṅga, Bhṛgu and the sages

The story · In the account of Dhruva’s descendants, Vena appears as a cruel boy who needlessly killed innocent deer. In King Aṅga’s absence, the sages made Vena king to protect the people, but the king himself became a source of disturbance. They offered him good advice about righteous rule and worship of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Vena rejected their counsel and demanded that the offerings of sacrifice be given to him instead. After his death, the sages feared disorder and resolved to preserve the family of the saintly King Aṅga.

What it teaches · A pious ruler supports citizens in worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead through their occupations. Royal power does not justify demanding the worship due to the Lord.