Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 1
Pṛthu Mahārāja Meets the Four Kumāras: Bhakti as the Boat Across Saṁsāra
मैत्रेय उवाच जनेषु प्रगृणत्स्वेवं पृथुं पृथुलविक्रमम् । तत्रोपजग्मुर्मुनयश्चत्वार: सूर्यवर्चस: ॥ १ ॥
maitreya uvāca janeṣu pragṛṇatsv evaṁ pṛthuṁ pṛthula-vikramam tatropajagmur munayaś catvāraḥ sūrya-varcasaḥ
قال ميتريه: وبينما كان الناس يسبّحون هكذا بالملك بريثو عظيم البأس، قدم إلى الموضع الكومار الأربعة، متلألئين كالشمس.
FAQs
This verse shows that when Pṛthu was being publicly praised for his noble strength and rule, exalted sages were drawn to him—indicating that genuine glorification of virtue and devotion attracts saintly association and divine guidance.
The narrative begins their arrival here: Pṛthu’s fame and righteous conduct drew the sunlike Kumāras to his assembly, setting the stage for spiritual instruction and upliftment through the meeting of a saintly king and liberated sages.
Honor and support genuine virtue, and actively seek sādhu-saṅga—by hearing from authentic teachers and engaging in sincere praise of the good—because such an atmosphere invites higher counsel and elevates one’s character.