Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 35
Nārada Instructs Dakṣa’s Sons; Allegory of the World; Dakṣa Curses Nārada
चुक्रोध नारदायासौ पुत्रशोकविमूर्च्छित: । देवर्षिमुपलभ्याह रोषाद्विस्फुरिताधर: ॥ ३५ ॥
cukrodha nāradāyāsau putra-śoka-vimūrcchitaḥ devarṣim upalabhyāha roṣād visphuritādharaḥ
When he heard that the Savalāśvas had also left this world to engage in devotional service, Dakṣa was angry at Nārada, and he almost fainted due to lamentation. When Dakṣa met Nārada, Dakṣa’s lips began trembling in anger, and he spoke as follows.
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura comments that Nārada Muni had delivered the entire family of Svāyambhuva Manu, beginning with Priyavrata and Uttānapāda. He had delivered Uttānapāda’s son Dhruva and had even delivered Prācīnabarhi, who was engaged in fruitive activities. Nevertheless, he could not deliver Prajāpati Dakṣa. Prajāpati Dakṣa saw Nārada before him because Nārada had personally come to deliver him. Nārada Muni took the opportunity to approach Prajāpati Dakṣa in his bereavement because the time of bereavement is a suitable time for appreciating bhakti-yoga. As stated in Bhagavad-gītā (7.16) , four kinds of men — ārta (one who is distressed), arthārthī (one in need of money), jijñāsu (one who is inquisitive) and jñānī (a person in knowledge) — try to understand devotional service. Prajāpati Dakṣa was in great distress because of the loss of his sons, and therefore Nārada took the opportunity to instruct him regarding liberation from material bondage.
FAQs
Because Dakṣa’s sons had renounced worldly life after receiving Nārada’s instruction, and Dakṣa—overpowered by attachment and grief—blamed Nārada for their departure.
It shows how intense attachment (to family and outcomes) can turn grief into rage, even toward a saintly person, clouding one’s judgment and devotion.
Recognize grief’s tendency to seek a target, pause before reacting, and redirect the mind toward dharma and spiritual perspective rather than blaming others in anger.