Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 29
Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Tested by Indra and Blessed by Nara-Nārāyaṇa
त इत्थमपकुर्वन्तो मुनेस्तत्तेजसा मुने । दह्यमाना निववृतु: प्रबोध्याहिमिवार्भका: ॥ २९ ॥
ta ittham apakurvanto munes tat-tejasā mune dahyamānā nivavṛtuḥ prabodhyāhim ivārbhakāḥ
O learned Śaunaka, while Cupid and his followers tried to harm the sage, they felt themselves being burned alive by his potency. Thus they stopped their mischief, just like children who have aroused a sleeping snake.
FAQs
This verse shows that wrongdoing toward a powerful sage brings immediate suffering—his tejas itself becomes a burning reaction—so one should avoid aparādha and act with humility toward the holy.
Because the sage’s spiritual radiance scorched them; realizing their danger—like children who wake a snake—they quickly desisted and retreated.
Be careful with speech and behavior toward sincere spiritual practitioners; cultivate respect, apologize quickly for mistakes, and avoid actions that harm others’ faith or sacred work.