Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 1
Portents at the Birth of Diti’s Sons and Hiraṇyākṣa Challenges Varuṇa
मैत्रेय उवाच निशम्यात्मभुवा गीतं कारणं शङ्कयोज्झिता: । तत: सर्वे न्यवर्तन्त त्रिदिवाय दिवौकस: ॥ १ ॥
maitreya uvāca niśamyātma-bhuvā gītaṁ kāraṇaṁ śaṅkayojjhitāḥ tataḥ sarve nyavartanta tridivāya divaukasaḥ
ଶ୍ରୀ ମୈତ୍ରେୟ କହିଲେ—ବିଷ୍ଣୁଜନ୍ମା ବ୍ରହ୍ମା ଅନ୍ଧକାରର କାରଣ ବ୍ୟାଖ୍ୟା କରି କହିଥିବା କଥା ଶୁଣି, ଉଚ୍ଚଲୋକର ଦେବମାନେ ସମସ୍ତ ଭୟ ଓ ଶଙ୍କାରୁ ମୁକ୍ତ ହେଲେ। ତାପରେ ସେମାନେ ସବୁ ନିଜ ନିଜ ଲୋକକୁ ଫେରିଗଲେ।
The demigods, who are denizens of higher planets, are also very much afraid of incidents such as the universe’s becoming dark, and so they consulted Brahmā. This indicates that the quality of fear exists for every living entity in the material world. The four principal activities of material existence are eating, sleeping, fearing and mating. The fear element exists also in the demigods. On every planet, even in the higher planetary systems, including the moon and the sun, as well as on this earth, the same principles of animal life exist. Otherwise, why are the demigods also afraid of the darkness? The difference between the demigods and ordinary human beings is that the demigods approach authority, whereas the inhabitants of this earth defy authority. If people would only approach the authority, then every adverse condition in this universe could be rectified. Arjuna was also disturbed on the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra, but he approached the authority, Kṛṣṇa, and his problem was solved. The conclusive instruction of this incident is that we may be disturbed by some material condition, but if we approach the authority who can actually explain the matter, then our problem is solved. The demigods approached Brahmā for the meaning of the disturbance, and after hearing from him they were satisfied and returned home peacefully.
FAQs
This verse shows that when the demigods heard Brahmā’s clear explanation of the cause, their doubt and anxiety were removed, and they regained composure—implying that right understanding and divine guidance dispel fear.
Because Brahmā, the self-born creator, explained the situation’s cause; reassured and no longer suspicious or fearful, they turned back toward Svarga instead of remaining disturbed.
When anxiety arises from uncertainty, seek trustworthy guidance and clear reasons (through scripture, teachers, and sober reflection); clarity reduces fear and helps one return to one’s duty with steadiness.