Shloka 48
Pṛthu Mahārāja Meets the Four Kumāras: Bhakti as the Boat Across Saṁsāra
मैत्रेय उवाच त आत्मयोगपतय आदिराजेन पूजिता: । शीलं तदीयं शंसन्त: खेऽभवन्मिषतां नृणाम् ॥ ४८ ॥
maitreya uvāca ta ātma-yoga-pataya ādi-rājena pūjitāḥ śīlaṁ tadīyaṁ śaṁsantaḥ khe ’bhavan miṣatāṁ nṛṇām
Maitreya said: Thus worshiped by Mahārāja Pṛthu, the four Kumāras—masters of bhakti-yoga—became greatly pleased. They appeared in the sky, praised the King’s character, and all the people beheld them.
It is said that the demigods never touch the surface of the earth. They walk and travel in space only. Like the great sage Nārada, the Kumāras do not require any machine to travel in space. There are also residents of Siddhaloka who can travel in space without machines. Since they can go from one planet to another, they are called siddhas — that is to say, they have acquired all mystic and yogic powers. Such great saintly persons who have attained complete perfection in mystic yoga are not visible in this age on earth because humanity is not worthy of their presence. The Kumāras, however, praised the characteristics of Mahārāja Pṛthu and his great devotional attitude and humility. The Kumāras were greatly satisfied by King Pṛthu’s method of worship. It was by the grace of Mahārāja Pṛthu that the common citizens in his domain could see the Kumāras flying in outer space.
FAQs
This verse shows that when exalted sages are properly honored, they respond by praising the devotee’s character—highlighting that respect for sādhus is a core Bhagavata value.
After being worshiped by Pṛthu and acknowledging his exemplary conduct, the Kumāras concluded their visit and departed—signifying the completion of their blessing and instruction.
Cultivate humility and respectful conduct toward spiritually advanced persons, and let your character—not mere status—be what earns genuine praise.