Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 8
Citraketu Offends Śiva, Is Cursed by Pārvatī, and Is Glorified as a Vaiṣṇava
प्रायश: प्राकृताश्चापि स्त्रियं रहसि बिभ्रति । अयं महाव्रतधरो बिभर्ति सदसि स्त्रियम् ॥ ८ ॥
prāyaśaḥ prākṛtāś cāpi striyaṁ rahasi bibhrati ayaṁ mahā-vrata-dharo bibharti sadasi striyam
Người phàm bị điều kiện chi phối thường chỉ ôm ấp vợ nơi kín đáo. Thế mà Mahādeva, bậc giữ đại nguyện khổ hạnh, lại ôm hiền thê công khai giữa hội chúng các đại thánh—thật kỳ diệu!
The word mahā-vrata-dharaḥ indicates a brahmacārī who has never fallen down. Lord Śiva is counted among the best of yogīs, yet he embraced his wife in the midst of great saintly persons. Citraketu appreciated how great Lord Śiva was to be unaffected even in that situation. Therefore Citraketu was not an offender; he merely expressed his wonder.
FAQs
This verse shows how Daksha judged Shiva externally—seeing an ascetic with a woman—highlighting that superficial social standards can lead to offense against great souls.
In the sacrificial assembly, Daksha was envious and disrespectful toward Shiva; seeing Sati with him publicly, he used it as a pretext to mock Shiva’s vows and character.
Do not rush to criticize spiritual people based on appearances; seek context, cultivate humility, and speak carefully—especially about advanced devotees and sacred relationships.