Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 24
Citraketu Offends Śiva, Is Cursed by Pārvatī, and Is Glorified as a Vaiṣṇava
अथ प्रसादये न त्वां शापमोक्षाय भामिनि । यन्मन्यसे ह्यसाधूक्तं मम तत्क्षम्यतां सति ॥ २४ ॥
atha prasādaye na tvāṁ śāpa-mokṣāya bhāmini yan manyase hy asādhūktaṁ mama tat kṣamyatāṁ sati
O mother, you are now unnecessarily angry, but since all my happiness and distress are destined by my past activities, I do not plead to be excused or relieved from your curse. Although what I have said is not wrong, please let whatever you think is wrong be pardoned.
Being fully aware of how the results of one’s karma accrue by the laws of nature, Citraketu did not want to be released from Pārvatī’s curse. Nonetheless, he wanted to satisfy her because although his verdict was natural, she was displeased with him. As a matter of course, Mahārāja Citraketu begged pardon from Pārvatī.
FAQs
This verse shows a devotee’s humility: Citraketu does not beg for relief from a curse, yet he respectfully asks forgiveness if his words were taken as improper.
After Pārvatī became displeased and cursed him, Citraketu clarified he was not trying to escape consequences; he only wished to maintain respect and harmony by seeking pardon for any offense.
Accept outcomes without manipulation, but promptly apologize for unintended hurt—prioritizing character, respect, and inner devotion over self-protection.