Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 27
Yayāti, Devayānī, Śarmiṣṭhā, and the Exchange of Youth: The Unsatisfied Nature of Desire
क्षणार्धमन्युर्भगवान् शिष्यं व्याचष्ट भार्गव: । कामोऽस्या: क्रियतां राजन् नैनां त्यक्तुमिहोत्सहे ॥ २७ ॥
kṣaṇārdha-manyur bhagavān śiṣyaṁ vyācaṣṭa bhārgavaḥ kāmo ’syāḥ kriyatāṁ rājan naināṁ tyaktum ihotsahe
Bhagavān Śukrācārya, sang Bhārgava, murka seketika; kemudian setelah reda, baginda berkata kepada Vṛṣaparvā: Wahai Raja, tunaikanlah hasrat Devayānī; dia puteriku, di dunia ini aku tidak sanggup meninggalkan atau mengabaikannya.
Sometimes a great personality like Śukrācārya cannot neglect sons and daughters, for sons and daughters are by nature dependent on their father and the father has affection for them. Although Śukrācārya knew that the quarrel between Devayānī and Śarmiṣṭhā was childish, as Devayānī’s father he had to side with his daughter. He did not like to do this, but he was obliged to because of affection. He plainly admitted that although he should not have asked the King for mercy for his daughter, because of affection he could not avoid doing so.
FAQs
This verse shows Śukrācārya directing the king to fulfill a request, implying that personal desires may be addressed when guided by dharma and proper counsel.
As a revered teacher, Śukrācārya briefly checked his anger and advised Yayāti to comply with the girl’s wish, indicating his protective stance and the need for the king to act according to the situation.
Pause before reacting in anger, seek wise guidance, and act responsibly—balancing compassion and duty rather than making impulsive decisions.