Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 9
Nābhāga’s Inheritance, Śiva’s Verdict, and the Rise of Ambarīṣa—Prelude to Durvāsā’s Offense
नाभागस्तं प्रणम्याह तवेश किल वास्तुकम् । इत्याह मे पिता ब्रह्मञ्छिरसा त्वां प्रसादये ॥ ९ ॥
nābhāgas taṁ praṇamyāha taveśa kila vāstukam ity āha me pitā brahmañ chirasā tvāṁ prasādaye
Thereupon, after offering obeisances to Lord Śiva, Nābhāga said: O worshipable lord, everything in this arena of sacrifice is yours. This is the assertion of my father. Now, with great respect, I bow my head before you, begging your mercy.
FAQs
This verse shows Nābhāga bowing down and addressing the sage as “O brāhmaṇa,” acknowledging the sage’s rightful claim and seeking favor—highlighting humility and reverence as dharmic conduct.
Because his father had instructed him that the claim or portion in question was the brāhmaṇa’s rightful property; Nābhāga follows that instruction and approaches the sage respectfully.
Practice integrity and humility: acknowledge rightful ownership, honor wise and saintly persons, and resolve disputes through respectful submission to dharma rather than ego.