Shloka 24
Dakṣa Offends Lord Śiva: Cursing and Countercursing in the Sacrificial Assembly
विद्याबुद्धिरविद्यायां कर्ममय्यामसौ जड: । संसरन्त्विह ये चामुमनु शर्वावमानिनम् ॥ २४ ॥
vidyā-buddhir avidyāyāṁ karmamayyām asau jaḍaḥ saṁsarantv iha ye cāmum anu śarvāvamāninam
Those who have become as dull as matter by cultivating materialistic education and intelligence are nesciently involved in fruitive activities. Such men have purposely insulted Lord Śiva. May they continue in the cycle of repeated birth and death.
The three curses mentioned above are sufficient to make one as dull as stone, void of spiritual knowledge and preoccupied with materialistic education, which is nescience. After uttering these curses, Nandīśvara then cursed the brāhmaṇas to continue in the cycle of birth and death because of their supporting Dakṣa in blaspheming Lord Śiva.
FAQs
This verse shows that blaspheming Lord Śiva is a grave offense; such a mentality keeps one bound to saṁsāra despite claims of learning or religiosity.
In the sacrificial assembly, Dakṣa became proud and envious, considering Śiva improper for Vedic society; from that arrogance he condemned Śiva and those who honor him.
Do not mistake external religiosity or argumentation for true wisdom; avoid criticizing exalted devotees and deities, and cultivate humility to prevent spiritual downfall.