Shloka 4
Brahmā Counsels the Demigods; Journey to Kailāsa; Śiva’s Tranquility and Brahmā’s Praise
तदाकर्ण्य विभु: प्राह तेजीयसि कृतागसि । क्षेमाय तत्र सा भूयान्न प्रायेण बुभूषताम् ॥ ४ ॥
tad ākarṇya vibhuḥ prāha tejīyasi kṛtāgasi kṣemāya tatra sā bhūyān na prāyeṇa bubhūṣatām
Hearing all that, Lord Brahmā replied: “If you revile a great, radiant person and thus offend his lotus feet, you cannot attain happiness or well-being by performing a sacrifice.”
Lord Brahmā explained to the demigods that although Dakṣa wanted to enjoy the results of fruitive sacrificial activities, it is not possible to enjoy when one offends a great personality like Lord Śiva. It was good for Dakṣa to have died in the fight because if he had lived he would have committed such offenses at the lotus feet of great personalities again and again. According to Manu’s law, when a person commits murder, punishment is beneficial for him because if he is not killed he might commit more and more murders and therefore be entangled in his future lives for having killed so many persons. Therefore the king’s punishment of a murderer is appropriate. lf those who are extremely offensive are killed by the grace of the Lord, that is good for them. In other words, Lord Brahmā explained to the demigods that it was good for Dakṣa to have been killed.
FAQs
This verse teaches that offending someone more powerful or spiritually elevated is generally inauspicious for one’s welfare and longevity; one should avoid such offenses and act with humility.
In the tense aftermath of Dakṣa’s sacrificial conflict, Lord Śiva emphasizes the danger of offending a superior person, highlighting the dharmic principle that arrogance and aparādha bring unfavorable results.
Be careful with speech and conduct toward elders, teachers, saints, and authorities; when mistakes occur, respond with accountability and humility rather than pride, as this protects one’s peace and progress.