Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 5
Citraketu Offends Śiva, Is Cursed by Pārvatī, and Is Glorified as a Vaiṣṇava
एकदा स विमानेन विष्णुदत्तेन भास्वता । गिरिशं ददृशे गच्छन् परीतं सिद्धचारणै: ॥ ४ ॥ आलिङ्गयाङ्कीकृतां देवीं बाहुना मुनिसंसदि । उवाच देव्या: शृण्वन्त्या जहासोच्चैस्तदन्तिके ॥ ५ ॥
ekadā sa vimānena viṣṇu-dattena bhāsvatā giriśaṁ dadṛśe gacchan parītaṁ siddha-cāraṇaiḥ
Once, as Citraketu traveled through the sky in a brilliantly effulgent airplane granted by Lord Viṣṇu, he saw Girīśa (Lord Śiva) surrounded by Siddhas and Cāraṇas. In an assembly of great sages, Śiva sat with Goddess Pārvatī upon his lap, embracing her with his arm. Within Pārvatī’s hearing, Citraketu laughed loudly and spoke nearby.
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura says in this connection,
FAQs
In this scene, Citraketu—traveling by Viṣṇu’s gift—sees Śiva embracing Pārvatī publicly among sages and laughs, about to speak. The verse sets up the misunderstanding that leads to Pārvatī’s curse and teaches caution in judging exalted devotees.
It shows that the actions of mahā-puruṣas can appear ordinary yet are transcendental; one should not criticize or mock them, especially in public or without understanding their position.
Avoid quick ridicule or public criticism of saintly persons and spiritual traditions; practice humility, seek context, and speak carefully to prevent offenses that damage one’s spiritual progress.