Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 62
Nābhāga’s Inheritance, Śiva’s Verdict, and the Rise of Ambarīṣa—Prelude to Durvāsā’s Offense
अजानता ते परमानुभावं कृतं मयाघं भवत: प्रियाणाम् । विधेहि तस्यापचितिं विधात- र्मुच्येत यन्नाम्न्युदिते नारकोऽपि ॥ ६२ ॥
ajānatā te paramānubhāvaṁ kṛtaṁ mayāghaṁ bhavataḥ priyāṇām vidhehi tasyāpacitiṁ vidhātar mucyeta yan-nāmny udite nārako ’pi
O my Lord, O supreme controller, without knowledge of Your unlimited prowess I have offended Your most dear devotee. Very kindly save me from the reaction of this offense. You can do everything, for even if a person is fit for going to hell, You can deliver him simply by awakening within his heart the holy name of Your Lordship.
FAQs
This verse shows that an offense against those dear to the Lord is a grave sin, and the offender must seek proper reparation, recognizing the Lord’s devotees as especially protected.
After offending Maharaja Ambarisha and being pursued by the Sudarshana Chakra, Durvasa approached Lord Vishnu for refuge and admitted his wrongdoing, asking how to atone for offending the Lord’s devotee.
Chant the Lord’s names sincerely while also correcting behavior—especially by respecting devotees and making amends when harm is done—since the holy name purifies but humility and restitution are essential.