Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 29
Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Tested by Indra and Blessed by Nara-Nārāyaṇa
त इत्थमपकुर्वन्तो मुनेस्तत्तेजसा मुने । दह्यमाना निववृतु: प्रबोध्याहिमिवार्भका: ॥ २९ ॥
ta ittham apakurvanto munes tat-tejasā mune dahyamānā nivavṛtuḥ prabodhyāhim ivārbhakāḥ
Ô Śaunaka, Kāmadeva et ses compagnons voulurent nuire au sage, mais, brûlés comme par le tejas de celui-ci, ils cessèrent leurs méfaits, tels des enfants ayant réveillé un serpent endormi.
FAQs
This verse shows that wrongdoing toward a powerful sage brings immediate suffering—his tejas itself becomes a burning reaction—so one should avoid aparādha and act with humility toward the holy.
Because the sage’s spiritual radiance scorched them; realizing their danger—like children who wake a snake—they quickly desisted and retreated.
Be careful with speech and behavior toward sincere spiritual practitioners; cultivate respect, apologize quickly for mistakes, and avoid actions that harm others’ faith or sacred work.