Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 6
Manu Offers Devahūti to Kardama; The Sage Accepts with a Devotional Vow
दिष्टया मे भगवान् दृष्टो दुर्दर्शो योऽकृतात्मनाम् । दिष्टया पादरज: स्पृष्टं शीर्ष्णा मे भवत: शिवम् ॥ ६ ॥
diṣṭyā me bhagavān dṛṣṭo durdarśo yo ’kṛtātmanām diṣṭyā pāda-rajaḥ spṛṣṭaṁ śīrṣṇā me bhavataḥ śivam
আমার সৌভাগ্য যে আমি আপনাকে দর্শন করতে পেরেছি—যাঁকে অসংযতচিত্ত ও ইন্দ্রিয়জয়হীন লোকেরা সহজে দেখতে পায় না। আরও সৌভাগ্য যে আমি মস্তকে আপনার চরণের পবিত্র রজ স্পর্শ করেছি।
The perfection of transcendental life can be achieved simply by touching the holy dust of the lotus feet of a holy man. In the Bhāgavatam it is said, mahat-pāda-rajo-’bhiṣekam, which means to be blessed by the holy dust of the lotus feet of a mahat, a great devotee. As stated in Bhagavad-gītā, mahātmānas tu: those who are great souls are under the spell of spiritual energy, and their symptom is that they fully engage in Kṛṣṇa consciousness for the service of the Lord. Therefore they are called mahat. Unless one is fortunate enough to have the dust of the lotus feet of a mahātmā on one’s head, there is no possibility of perfection in spiritual life.
FAQs
This verse teaches that without inner discipline and purified consciousness, one lacks the fitness to perceive the Lord; self-control supports devotion and clear spiritual vision.
In the narrative, Devahuti expresses humility and gratitude, honoring Kardama as a great devotee/sage whose association and blessings are spiritually auspicious.
Practice self-discipline (control of senses and mind) and seek elevating association; cultivate humility by respecting genuine teachers and devotees.