Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 61
Nābhāga’s Inheritance, Śiva’s Verdict, and the Rise of Ambarīṣa—Prelude to Durvāsā’s Offense
सन्दह्यमानोऽजितशस्त्रवह्निना तत्पादमूले पतित: सवेपथु: । आहाच्युतानन्त सदीप्सित प्रभो कृतागसं माव हि विश्वभावन ॥ ६१ ॥
sandahyamāno ’jita-śastra-vahninā tat-pāda-mūle patitaḥ savepathuḥ āhācyutānanta sad-īpsita prabho kṛtāgasaṁ māvahi viśva-bhāvana
Durvāsā Muni, the great mystic, scorched by the heat of the Sudarśana cakra, fell at the lotus feet of Nārāyaṇa. His body trembling, he spoke as follows: O infallible, unlimited Lord, protector of the entire universe, You are the only desirable objective for all devotees. I am a great offender, my Lord. Please give me protection.
FAQs
This verse shows an offender humbly surrendering at the Lord’s feet, admitting guilt and begging protection—highlighting confession, humility, and taking shelter of the Lord as the proper response to aparādha.
Because he realizes he is facing the irresistible power of the Lord’s weapon; calling Him Acyuta (infallible) and Ananta (unlimited) acknowledges Viṣṇu’s supreme, unconquerable nature and seeks mercy from the only true protector.
Admit wrongdoing without excuses, approach the right refuge with humility, and sincerely ask for protection and correction—cultivating accountability and surrender rather than pride.