Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 17
Ambarīṣa’s Prayers to Sudarśana and the Deliverance of Durvāsā
राजन्ननुगृहीतोऽहं त्वयातिकरुणात्मना । मदघं पृष्ठत: कृत्वा प्राणा यन्मेऽभिरक्षिता: ॥ १७ ॥
rājann anugṛhīto ’haṁ tvayātikaruṇātmanā mad-aghaṁ pṛṣṭhataḥ kṛtvā prāṇā yan me ’bhirakṣitāḥ
Oh rey, tú, de corazón inmensamente compasivo, me has favorecido. Al pasar por alto mi ofensa, has salvado mi vida; por ello te estoy profundamente agradecido.
FAQs
This verse highlights that a saintly king like Ambarīṣa, moved by deep compassion, forgives an offender and even protects his life—showing that mercy and forbearance are key qualities of devotees.
After offending Ambarīṣa and being threatened by the Lord’s protection, Durvāsā recognizes Ambarīṣa’s extraordinary mercy—he did not seek revenge but forgave the offense and thus saved Durvāsā’s life.
Practice restraint when wronged, respond without vindictiveness, and prioritize spiritual principles over ego—like Ambarīṣa, who “puts the offense behind” and chooses compassion.