Nābhāga’s Inheritance, Śiva’s Verdict, and the Rise of Ambarīṣa—Prelude to Durvāsā’s Offense
नाभागस्तं प्रणम्याह तवेश किल वास्तुकम् । इत्याह मे पिता ब्रह्मञ्छिरसा त्वां प्रसादये ॥ ९ ॥
nābhāgas taṁ praṇamyāha taveśa kila vāstukam ity āha me pitā brahmañ chirasā tvāṁ prasādaye
Then Nābhāga, bowing down to Lord Śiva, said: “O worshipful Lord, all the wealth within this sacrificial arena is indeed yours. Thus has my father, the brāhmaṇa, declared; therefore I lower my head and beg your mercy.”
This verse shows Nābhāga bowing down and addressing the sage as “O brāhmaṇa,” acknowledging the sage’s rightful claim and seeking favor—highlighting humility and reverence as dharmic conduct.
Because his father had instructed him that the claim or portion in question was the brāhmaṇa’s rightful property; Nābhāga follows that instruction and approaches the sage respectfully.
Practice integrity and humility: acknowledge rightful ownership, honor wise and saintly persons, and resolve disputes through respectful submission to dharma rather than ego.