Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 58
Nābhāga’s Inheritance, Śiva’s Verdict, and the Rise of Ambarīṣa—Prelude to Durvāsā’s Offense
अहं सनत्कुमारश्च नारदो भगवानज: । कपिलोऽपान्तरतमो देवलो धर्म आसुरि: ॥ ५७ ॥ मरीचिप्रमुखाश्चान्ये सिद्धेशा: पारदर्शना: । विदाम न वयं सर्वे यन्मायां माययावृता: ॥ ५८ ॥ तस्य विश्वेश्वरस्येदं शस्त्रं दुर्विषहं हि न: । तमेवं शरणं याहि हरिस्ते शं विधास्यति ॥ ५९ ॥
ahaṁ sanat-kumāraś ca nārado bhagavān ajaḥ kapilo ’pāntaratamo devalo dharma āsuriḥ
Past, present and future are known to me [Lord Śiva], Sanat-kumāra, Nārada, the most revered Lord Brahmā, Kapila [the son of Devahūti], Apāntaratama [Lord Vyāsadeva], Devala, Yamarāja, Āsuri, Marīci and many saintly persons headed by him, as well as many others who have achieved perfection. Nonetheless, because we are covered by the illusory energy of the Lord, we cannot understand how expansive that illusory energy is. You should simply approach that Supreme Personality of Godhead to get relief, for this Sudarśana cakra is intolerable even to us. Go to Lord Viṣṇu. He will certainly be kind enough to bestow all good fortune upon you.
FAQs
This verse begins a statement where exalted sages identify themselves, setting up the teaching that even the greatest can be covered by the Lord’s māyā, so one should rely on Hari’s shelter rather than pride in knowledge.
The grouping emphasizes collective authority and, more importantly, collective humility—showing that spiritual stature does not make one independent of the Lord’s protection.
Even if one is learned or accomplished, remain cautious of illusion and ego, and keep devotional dependence on God through prayer, remembrance, and service.