Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 35
Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Tested by Indra and Blessed by Nara-Nārāyaṇa
ते वै भगवतो रूपे नरनारायणावृषी । दृष्ट्वोत्थायादरेणोच्चैर्ननामाङ्गेन दण्डवत् ॥ ३५ ॥
te vai bhagavato rūpe nara-nārāyaṇāv ṛṣī dṛṣṭvotthāyādareṇoccair nanāmāṅgena daṇḍa-vat
Ang dalawang pantas—sina Nara at Nārāyaṇa—ay mismong tuwirang anyo ng Kataas-taasang Panginoon. Nang makita sila ni Ṛṣi Mārkaṇḍeya, agad siyang tumindig at, sa dakilang paggalang, naghandog ng dāṇḍavat na pagpupugay—dumapa nang tuwid sa lupa.
FAQs
This verse shows that upon beholding divine sages who are manifestations of Bhagavān, one should rise respectfully and offer full prostrated obeisance (daṇḍavat) with one’s entire body, expressing deep humility and devotion.
Because Nara and Nārāyaṇa are described here as forms of the Supreme Lord; recognizing their divinity and spiritual authority, he honored them immediately with reverent prostration.
Cultivate humility and respect—stand up to receive saintly persons, teachers, and elders, and offer sincere reverence (physically or mentally), remembering that honoring the holy is a direct practice of bhakti.