Shloka 66
Nābhāga’s Inheritance, Śiva’s Verdict, and the Rise of Ambarīṣa—Prelude to Durvāsā’s Offense
मयि निर्बद्धहृदया: साधव: समदर्शना: । वशीकुर्वन्ति मां भक्त्या सत्स्त्रिय: सत्पतिं यथा ॥ ६६ ॥
mayi nirbaddha-hṛdayāḥ sādhavaḥ sama-darśanāḥ vaśe kurvanti māṁ bhaktyā sat-striyaḥ sat-patiṁ yathā
The sādhus, whose hearts are firmly bound to Me and who see all beings equally, bring Me fully under their control by bhakti—just as chaste women, by service, win over their gentle husbands.
In this verse, the word sama-darśanāḥ is significant. The pure devotee is actually equal toward everyone, as confirmed in Bhagavad-gītā (18.54) : brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā na śocati na kāṅkṣati/ samaḥ sarveṣu bhūteṣu. Universal brotherhood is possible when one is a pure devotee ( paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ ). A pure devotee is actually learned because he knows his constitutional position, he knows the position of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and he knows the relationship between the living entity and the Supreme Lord. Thus he has full spiritual knowledge and is automatically liberated ( brahma-bhūtaḥ ). He can therefore see everyone on the spiritual platform. He can comprehend the happiness and distress of all living entities. He understands that what is happiness to him is also happiness to others and that what is distress to him is distressing for others. Therefore he is sympathetic to everyone. As Prahlāda Mahārāja said:
FAQs
This verse states that saintly devotees whose hearts are bound to the Lord can “bring Him under control” through pure devotion, showing that Bhagavan willingly becomes conquered by love.
In the narrative, Vishnu emphasizes Ambarisha’s pure devotion and explains that He is especially responsive to such devotees—highlighting why Durvasa could not overpower a devotee protected by bhakti.
Cultivate steady remembrance of God, treat others with fairness and respect, and practice consistent devotional acts; this purifies the heart and deepens a relationship with the Divine grounded in love rather than ego.