Shloka 8
Bhṛgu Tests the Trimūrti; Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna Visit Mahā-Viṣṇu and Recover the Brāhmaṇa’s Sons
शयानं श्रिय उत्सङ्गे पदा वक्षस्यताडयत् । तत उत्थाय भगवान् सह लक्ष्म्या सतां गति: ॥ ८ ॥ स्वतल्पादवरुह्याथ ननाम शिरसा मुनिम् । आह ते स्वागतं ब्रह्मन् निषीदात्रासने क्षणम् । अजानतामागतान् व: क्षन्तुमर्हथ न: प्रभो ॥ ९ ॥
śayānaṁ śriya utsaṅge padā vakṣasy atāḍayat tata utthāya bhagavān saha lakṣmyā satāṁ gatiḥ
वैकुण्ठे भगवान् श्रीरुत्सङ्गे शयानः; भृगुणा पदा वक्षसि ताडितः। ततः सतां गतिः स भगवान् लक्ष्म्या सहोत्थाय, स्वशय्याया अवरुह्य मुनिं शिरसा ननाम। उवाच— “स्वागतं ब्रह्मन्; क्षणं आसने निषीद। आगतं वः नाज्ञात्वा, प्रभो, अस्मान् क्षन्तुमर्हसि।”
According to Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, at the time of this pastime Bhṛgu Muni had not yet become a pure Vaiṣṇava; otherwise he would not have acted so rashly toward the Supreme Lord. Not only was Lord Viṣṇu taking rest, but He was lying with His head in His wife’s lap. For Bhṛgu to strike Him in this position — and not with his hand but with his foot — was worse than any other offense Bhṛgu could have imagined.
FAQs
In this episode Durvāsā tests and displays extreme behavior; the Bhagavatam highlights the Lord’s astonishing humility and His role as the shelter of saintly devotees even when apparently insulted.
It shows that the Supreme Lord, though worshiped by all, responds with calmness and respect—revealing His compassion and His special affection for the saintly.
Practice humility under provocation, avoid ego-driven retaliation, and remember that true strength is shown through patience and respect.