Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 33
Kūrma Supports Mandara; Hālahala Appears; Śiva Becomes Nīlakaṇṭha
ये त्वात्मरामगुरुभिर्हृदि चिन्तिताङ्घ्रि- द्वन्द्वं चरन्तमुमया तपसाभितप्तम् । कत्थन्त उग्रपरुषं निरतं श्मशाने ते नूनमूतिमविदंस्तव हातलज्जा: ॥ ३३ ॥
ye tv ātma-rāma-gurubhir hṛdi cintitāṅghri- dvandvaṁ carantam umayā tapasābhitaptam katthanta ugra-paruṣaṁ nirataṁ śmaśāne te nūnam ūtim avidaṁs tava hāta-lajjāḥ
Os grandes ātmārāma, que instruem o mundo, contemplam sem cessar em seus corações o teu par de pés de lótus. Mas os que não conhecem a glória da tua austeridade, ao ver-te caminhar com Umā julgam-te luxurioso; e ao ver-te vagar pelo crematório pensam que és feroz e invejoso. Certamente são sem pudor; não compreendem teus atos divinos.
Lord Śiva is the topmost Vaiṣṇava ( vaiṣṇavānāṁ yathā śambhuḥ ). It is therefore said, vaiṣṇavera kriyā-mudrā vijñe nā bujhaya. Even the most intelligent person cannot understand what a Vaiṣṇava like Lord Śiva is doing or how he is acting. Those who are conquered by lusty desires and anger cannot estimate the glories of Lord Śiva, whose position is always transcendental. In all the activities associated with lusty desires, Lord Śiva is an implement of ātma-rāma. Ordinary persons, therefore, should not try to understand Lord Śiva and his activities. One who tries to criticize the activities of Lord Śiva is shameless.
FAQs
This verse shows that the greatest self-realized sages meditate on Śiva’s lotus feet, while those who mock or boast in ignorance fail to understand his true potency.
In their prayer, the Devas contrast genuine spiritual reverence for Śiva with the pride of those who imitate externals (like dwelling in śmaśāna) without realizing his inner divine power and austerity.
Do not judge spirituality by outer appearance or subculture; value humility, austerity, and sincere meditation, and avoid egoistic “boasting” that lacks real understanding.