Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 15
Paramahaṁsa-Dharma: The Avadhūta-like Sannyāsī and Prahlāda’s Dialogue with the ‘Python’ Saint
तं नत्वाभ्यर्च्य विधिवत्पादयो: शिरसा स्पृशन् । विवित्सुरिदमप्राक्षीन्महाभागवतोऽसुर: ॥ १५ ॥
taṁ natvābhyarcya vidhivat pādayoḥ śirasā spṛśan vivitsur idam aprākṣīn mahā-bhāgavato ’suraḥ
The advanced devotee Prahlāda Mahārāja duly worshiped and offered obeisances to the saintly person who had adopted a python’s means of livelihood. After thus worshiping the saintly person and touching his own head to the saint’s lotus feet, Prahlāda Mahārāja, in order to understand him, inquired very submissively as follows.
FAQs
This verse shows the proper approach: bow down, worship respectfully according to injunctions, and with humility (touching the feet with one’s head) inquire to understand spiritual truth.
Because devotion (bhakti) is determined by surrender and love for Bhagavān, not by birth; the verse explicitly calls him “mahā-bhāgavataḥ” while noting his asura identity.
Seek guidance from genuinely wise, devotional mentors with respect, ask sincere questions to learn (not to argue), and cultivate humility as the foundation for spiritual progress.