Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 50
Brahmā Counsels the Demigods; Journey to Kailāsa; Śiva’s Tranquility and Brahmā’s Praise
कुर्वध्वरस्योद्धरणं हतस्य भो: त्वयासमाप्तस्य मनो प्रजापते: । न यत्र भागं तव भागिनो ददु: कुयाजिनो येन मखो निनीयते ॥ ५० ॥
kurv adhvarasyoddharaṇaṁ hatasya bhoḥ tvayāsamāptasya mano prajāpateḥ na yatra bhāgaṁ tava bhāgino daduḥ kuyājino yena makho ninīyate
My dear Lord Śiva, you are a shareholder of a portion of the sacrifice, and you are the giver of the result. The bad priests did not deliver your share, and therefore you destroyed everything, and the sacrifice remains unfinished. Now you can do the needful and take your rightful share.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a yajña becomes incomplete and ultimately ruined when Viṣṇu is not given His rightful portion, because He is the true enjoyer and sustaining principle of sacrifice.
They performed the external ritual but committed the central error of neglecting Viṣṇu’s honor and share, so their worship lacked proper consciousness and spiritual legitimacy.
Any practice—ritual, charity, or discipline—becomes fruitful when centered on devotion and proper respect for God and His devotees; otherwise it risks becoming empty formality and conflict-producing pride.