Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 9
Aftermath of Gajendra’s Deliverance: Hūhū’s Release, Indradyumna’s Curse, and Sārūpya-mukti
यदृच्छया तत्र महायशा मुनि: समागमच्छिष्यगणै: परिश्रित: । तं वीक्ष्य तूष्णीमकृतार्हणादिकं रहस्युपासीनमृषिश्चुकोप ह ॥ ९ ॥
yadṛcchayā tatra mahā-yaśā muniḥ samāgamac chiṣya-gaṇaiḥ pariśritaḥ taṁ vīkṣya tūṣṇīm akṛtārhaṇādikaṁ rahasy upāsīnam ṛṣiś cukopa ha
While Indradyumna Mahārāja was engaged in ecstatic meditation, worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the great sage Agastya Muni arrived there, surrounded by his disciples. When the Muni saw that Mahārāja Indradyumna, who was sitting in a secluded place, remained silent and did not follow the etiquette of offering him a reception, he was very angry.
FAQs
This verse shows that neglecting proper honors (arhaṇa)—even while one is absorbed in private worship—can provoke a sage’s displeasure, emphasizing the dharma of respectful reception.
Because the king remained silent and did not perform the customary greetings and offerings when the sage arrived with disciples, the sage interpreted it as disrespect and became angry.
Balance personal spiritual practice with basic courtesy—acknowledge and respect elders, teachers, and guests—so devotion is supported by good conduct rather than undermined by neglect.