Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 9
Bhṛgu Tests the Trimūrti; Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna Visit Mahā-Viṣṇu and Recover the Brāhmaṇa’s Sons
शयानं श्रिय उत्सङ्गे पदा वक्षस्यताडयत् । तत उत्थाय भगवान् सह लक्ष्म्या सतां गति: ॥ ८ ॥ स्वतल्पादवरुह्याथ ननाम शिरसा मुनिम् । आह ते स्वागतं ब्रह्मन् निषीदात्रासने क्षणम् । अजानतामागतान् व: क्षन्तुमर्हथ न: प्रभो ॥ ९ ॥
śayānaṁ śriya utsaṅge padā vakṣasy atāḍayat tata utthāya bhagavān saha lakṣmyā satāṁ gatiḥ
There he went up to the Supreme Lord, who was lying with His head on the lap of His consort, Śrī, and kicked Him on the chest. The Lord then rose, along with Goddess Lakṣmī, as a sign of respect. Coming down from His bedstead, that supreme goal of all pure devotees bowed His head to the floor before the sage and told him, ‘Welcome, brāhmaṇa. Please sit in this chair and rest awhile. Kindly forgive us, dear master, for not noticing your arrival.’
According to Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, at the time of this pastime Bhṛgu Muni had not yet become a pure Vaiṣṇava; otherwise he would not have acted so rashly toward the Supreme Lord. Not only was Lord Viṣṇu taking rest, but He was lying with His head in His wife’s lap. For Bhṛgu to strike Him in this position — and not with his hand but with his foot — was worse than any other offense Bhṛgu could have imagined.
FAQs
In this verse it indicates that the Supreme Lord is the ultimate shelter, destination, and protector of saintly devotees.
It highlights intimate divine familiarity within Vaikuṇṭha and sets the scene for the Lord’s immediate, respectful response as guests arrive.
Cultivate steady dependence on the Lord through prayer, remembrance, and ethical living, especially during uncertainty.