Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 1
Bṛhaspati Rejects the Demigods: The Root of Deva Weakness and the Need for Humility
श्रीराजोवाच कस्य हेतो: परित्यक्ता आचार्येणात्मन: सुरा: । एतदाचक्ष्व भगवञ्छिष्याणामक्रमं गुरौ ॥ १ ॥
śrī-rājovāca kasya hetoḥ parityaktā ācāryeṇātmanaḥ surāḥ etad ācakṣva bhagavañ chiṣyāṇām akramaṁ gurau
Mahārāja Parīkṣit inquired from Śukadeva Gosvāmī: O great sage, why did the spiritual master of the demigods, Bṛhaspati, reject the demigods, who were his own disciples? What offense did the demigods commit against their spiritual master? Please describe to me this incident.
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura comments:
FAQs
This verse introduces Parīkṣit’s inquiry: the demigods were abandoned because of a serious lapse in proper conduct toward their ācārya, prompting the guru to withdraw his guidance.
Because the narrative in Canto 6, Chapter 7 hinges on a breakdown in guru-disciple etiquette among the demigods, which triggers major consequences and the events leading toward Vṛtrāsura.
Maintain humility and proper respect toward one’s teacher and spiritual guides; neglecting guru-etiquette can weaken one’s protection, clarity, and progress on the path of bhakti.