Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 16
Dhruva’s Humiliation, Sunīti’s Counsel, and Nārada’s Bhakti-Yoga Instruction
सोत्सृज्य धैर्यं विललाप शोक दावाग्निना दावलतेव बाला । वाक्यं सपत्न्या: स्मरती सरोज श्रिया दृशा बाष्पकलामुवाह ॥ १६ ॥
sotsṛjya dhairyaṁ vilalāpa śoka- dāvāgninā dāva-lateva bālā vākyaṁ sapatnyāḥ smaratī saroja- śriyā dṛśā bāṣpa-kalām uvāha
Binitiwan si Suniti at napahagulhol sa dalamhati, na parang dahong natupok sa apoy ng gubat ng pagdurusa. Nang maalala niya ang mga salita ng kanyang kaagaw, napuno ng luha ang kanyang mukhang tila lotus, at saka siya nagsalita nang ganito.
When a man is aggrieved, he feels exactly like a burnt leaf in a forest fire. Sunīti’s position was like that. Although her face was as beautiful as a lotus flower, it dried up because of the burning fire caused by the harsh words of her co-wife.
FAQs
This verse compares grief from remembered harsh words to a forest fire, showing that cruel speech can burn the heart and drive one into deep lamentation.
Dhruva lost his composure after recalling the cutting words of his stepmother Suruci, and his sorrow overwhelmed him, bringing tears to his lotuslike eyes.
Guard your speech and avoid humiliating others; when hurt, channel the pain toward sincere spiritual purpose rather than revenge—just as Dhruva’s sorrow became the beginning of his bhakti quest.