Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 2
Dadhīci’s Supreme Charity and the Opening of Indra’s War with Vṛtrāsura
तथाभियाचितो देवैर्ऋषिराथर्वणो महान् । मोदमान उवाचेदं प्रहसन्निव भारत ॥ २ ॥
tathābhiyācito devair ṛṣir ātharvaṇo mahān modamāna uvācedaṁ prahasann iva bhārata
O Bharata (Parīkṣit), following the Lord’s instruction, the demigods approached the great sage Dadhīci, the son of Atharvā. He was exceedingly generous, and when they begged him for his body he at once agreed in part. Yet, wishing to hear teachings on dharma from them, he smiled and, as if in jest, spoke as follows.
FAQs
He refers to the great sage Dadhīci, associated with the Atharva (Atharva Veda) lineage, who is approached by the demigods for help.
In the narrative leading into the battle with Vṛtrāsura, the demigods seek the sage’s assistance for a divine solution, and this verse introduces his pleased response to their request.
A devotee learns to respond to sincere requests with goodwill and clarity—meeting serious situations with inner steadiness, even a gentle smile, rooted in dharma and trust in the Lord’s plan.