Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 20
Priyavrata Accepts Kingship by Brahmā’s Instruction; Sapta-dvīpa Formation and Renunciation
श्रीशुक उवाच इति समभिहितो महाभागवतो भगवतस्त्रिभुवनगुरोरनुशासनमात्मनो लघुतयावनतशिरोधरो बाढमिति सबहुमानमुवाह ॥ २० ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca iti samabhihito mahā-bhāgavato bhagavatas tri-bhuvana-guror anuśāsanam ātmano laghutayāvanata-śirodharo bāḍham iti sabahu-mānam uvāha.
Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī dit : Ainsi pleinement instruit par le Seigneur Brahmā, maître spirituel des trois mondes, le grand dévot Priyavrata, se jugeant inférieur, inclina la tête ; disant « qu’il en soit ainsi », il reçut l’ordre avec grand respect et l’exécuta fidèlement.
Śrī Priyavrata was the grandson of Lord Brahmā. Therefore according to social etiquette, his position was inferior. It is the duty of the inferior to carry out the order of the superior with great respect. Priyavrata therefore immediately said, “Yes, sir. I shall carry out your order.” Priyavrata is described as a mahā-bhāgavata, a great devotee. The duty of a great devotee is to carry out the order of the spiritual master, or the spiritual master of the spiritual master in the paramparā system. As described in Bhagavad-gītā (4.2) , evaṁ paramparā prāptam: one has to receive the instructions of the Supreme Lord through the disciplic chain of spiritual masters. A devotee of the Lord always considers himself a servant of the servant of the servant of the Lord.
FAQs
This verse highlights that a great devotee accepts the Lord’s instruction with bowed head and deep reverence—humility is shown as the natural ornament of bhakti.
Because the Supreme Lord is the ultimate teacher and guide for all beings across the three worlds; all true instruction ultimately rests in Him.
Receive spiritual guidance without ego—practice respectful listening, accept correction, and act on dharmic instructions with sincerity.