Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 15
Dhruva’s Humiliation, Sunīti’s Counsel, and Nārada’s Bhakti-Yoga Instruction
तं नि:श्वसन्तं स्फुरिताधरोष्ठं सुनीतिरुत्सङ्ग उदूह्य बालम् । निशम्य तत्पौरमुखान्नितान्तं सा विव्यथे यद्गदितं सपत्न्या ॥ १५ ॥
taṁ niḥśvasantaṁ sphuritādharoṣṭhaṁ sunītir utsaṅga udūhya bālam niśamya tat-paura-mukhān nitāntaṁ sā vivyathe yad gaditaṁ sapatnyā
ドゥルヴァが荒く息をし、怒りで唇を震わせ、激しく泣いているのを見て、王妃スニーティはすぐに幼子を膝に抱き上げた。スルチの辛辣な言葉を聞いた宮中の者たちが事の次第を詳しく語り、スニーティも深く胸を痛めた。
FAQs
This verse shows Sunīti immediately sheltering Dhruva on her lap and sharing his pain—Bhāgavatam portrays compassion and protective care as a natural, dharmic response to suffering.
Because Suruci’s harsh words were spoken publicly in the royal setting, and Sunīti realized the depth of the humiliation inflicted on Dhruva, which wounded both mother and child.
When someone is emotionally shaken, first offer shelter and calm listening (like Sunīti did) before advice—compassionate presence can stabilize the heart after public criticism or rejection.