Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 17
Raivata and Cākṣuṣa Manvantaras; Brahmā’s Prayers at Śvetadvīpa
Prelude to Samudra-manthana
निशाम्यैतत् सुरगणा महेन्द्रवरुणादय: । नाध्यगच्छन्स्वयं मन्त्रैर्मन्त्रयन्तो विनिश्चितम् ॥ १७ ॥ ततो ब्रह्मसभां जग्मुर्मेरोर्मूर्धनि सर्वश: । सर्वं विज्ञापयां चक्रु: प्रणता: परमेष्ठिने ॥ १८ ॥
niśāmyaitat sura-gaṇā mahendra-varuṇādayaḥ nādhyagacchan svayaṁ mantrair mantrayanto viniścitam
श्रीशुक उवाच—एतन्निशाम्य सुरगणा महेन्द्रवरुणादयः स्वयम् मन्त्रैर्मन्त्रयन्तोऽपि विनिश्चितं नाध्यगच्छन्। ततः सर्वशो मेरोर्मूर्धनि ब्रह्मसभां जग्मुः; प्रणताः परमेष्ठिने सर्वं वृत्तान्तं विज्ञापयामासुः।
FAQs
Because the situation was beyond their independent capacity; even after deliberation, they could not reach certainty and thus needed higher guidance.
It teaches humility—when one’s own intelligence and group counsel fail, one should approach a higher, divinely guided authority rather than act impulsively.
Pause, avoid rash action, and seek clarity through śāstra, prayer, and guidance from a qualified teacher—aiming for a settled, dharmic decision.