Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 29
Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Tested by Indra and Blessed by Nara-Nārāyaṇa
त इत्थमपकुर्वन्तो मुनेस्तत्तेजसा मुने । दह्यमाना निववृतु: प्रबोध्याहिमिवार्भका: ॥ २९ ॥
ta ittham apakurvanto munes tat-tejasā mune dahyamānā nivavṛtuḥ prabodhyāhim ivārbhakāḥ
O Śaunaka, Kāmadeva und seine Gefährten wollten dem Weisen schaden, doch vom Tejas des Munis wie verbrannt, ließen sie ab von ihrem Unfug – wie Kinder, die eine schlafende Schlange geweckt haben.
FAQs
This verse shows that wrongdoing toward a powerful sage brings immediate suffering—his tejas itself becomes a burning reaction—so one should avoid aparādha and act with humility toward the holy.
Because the sage’s spiritual radiance scorched them; realizing their danger—like children who wake a snake—they quickly desisted and retreated.
Be careful with speech and behavior toward sincere spiritual practitioners; cultivate respect, apologize quickly for mistakes, and avoid actions that harm others’ faith or sacred work.