Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 26
The Appearance and Coronation of King Pṛthu (Pṛthu-avatāra) and His Humble Refusal of Premature Praise
वयं त्वविदिता लोके सूताद्यापि वरीमभि: । कर्मभि: कथमात्मानं गापयिष्याम बालवत् ॥ २६ ॥
vayaṁ tv aviditā loke sūtādyāpi varīmabhiḥ karmabhiḥ katham ātmānaṁ gāpayiṣyāma bālavat
Meus devotos, liderados pelo sūta, por ora não sou conhecido no mundo por feitos excelsos, pois nada realizei que mereça ser cantado por vós. Como, então, poderia eu ocupar-vos em louvar minhas ações como se fôsseis crianças?
Thus end the Bhaktivedanta purports of the Fourth Canto, Fifteenth Chapter, of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, entitled “King Pṛthu’s Appearance and Coronation.”
FAQs
This verse shows King Pṛthu reflecting that mere desire for praise is childish; real renown should arise from superior, dharmic deeds rather than ego-driven self-promotion.
In the narrative, Pṛthu addresses Sūta and those around him while considering how a ruler’s lasting reputation is established—through exemplary action—while also acknowledging the immaturity of craving praise.
Focus on meaningful service and integrity; let recognition be a byproduct of consistent good work, and watch for the “childlike” impulse to seek validation.