Text 8] The Appearance of the Demon Vrtrasura 105

bhimih—the earth; turtyam—one fourth; jagradha—accepted; khata-
ptira—of the filling of holes; varena—because of the benediction; vai—
indeed; irinam—the deserts; brahma-hatyayah—of the reaction for
killing a bradhmana; ripam—form; bhimau—on the earth; pradrsy-
ate—is visible.

TRANSLATION

In return for King Indra’s benediction that ditches in the earth
would be filled automatically, the land accepted one fourth of the
sinful reactions for killing a brahmana. Because of those sinful
reactions, we find many deserts on the surface of the earth.

PURPORT

Because deserts are manifestations of the earth’s diseased condition,
no auspicious ritualistic ceremony can be performed in a desert. Persons
destined to live in deserts are understood to be sharing the reactions for
the sin of brahma-hatya, the killing of a brahmana.

TEXT 8

at Safety ate wage: |
at Fratretn wae WeTTA IN <I

turyam cheda-virohena
varena jagrhur drumah

tesdm nirydsa-riipena
brahma-hatya pradrsyate

turyam—one fourth; cheda—although being cut; virohena—of grow-
ing again; varena—because of the benediction; jagrhuh—accepted:
drumah—the trees; tesam—of them; nirydsa-riipena—by the liquid
oozing from the trees; brahma-hatyd—the reaction for killing a
brahmana; pradrsyate—is visible.

TRANSLATION

In return for Indra’s benediction that their branches and twigs
would grow back when trimmed, the trees accepted one fourth of
