Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 12
Dhruva Uses the Nārāyaṇāstra; Manu Checks His Wrath and Teaches Dharma
स त्वं हरेरनुध्यातस्तत्पुंसामपि सम्मत: । कथं त्ववद्यं कृतवाननुशिक्षन् सतां व्रतम् ॥ १२ ॥
sa tvaṁ harer anudhyātas tat-puṁsām api sammataḥ kathaṁ tv avadyaṁ kṛtavān anuśikṣan satāṁ vratam
Ikaw ay dalisay na deboto ni Hari; lagi ka ring inaalala ng Panginoon at kinikilala ka ng Kanyang malalapit na deboto. Ang buhay mo’y dapat maging huwaran ng panata ng mga banal—bakit mo ginawa ang kasuklam-suklam na gawaing ito?
Dhruva Mahārāja was a pure devotee and was accustomed to always thinking of the Lord. Reciprocally, the Lord always thinks of those pure devotees who think of Him only, twenty-four hours a day. As a pure devotee does not know anything beyond the Lord, so the Lord does not know anything beyond His pure devotee. Svāyambhuva Manu pointed out this fact to Dhruva Mahārāja: “Not only are you a pure devotee, but you are recognized by all pure devotees of the Lord. You should always act in such an exemplary way that others may learn from you. Under the circumstances, it is surprising that you have killed so many faultless Yakṣas.”
FAQs
This verse says that one who meditates on Hari and is respected among devotees should not perform avadya (blameworthy) actions, because a devotee’s life is meant to exemplify satām vratam—saintly conduct.
In the context of Dhruva’s retaliation against the Yakṣas, Manu admonishes him: as a great devotee revered by others, Dhruva should restrain anger and model saintly behavior rather than act in a condemnable way.
Practice restraint and accountability: if you represent spiritual values, avoid reactive speech and revenge, and let your conduct teach patience, compassion, and self-control.