Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 26
Dhruva-vaṁśa Continuation: Utkala’s Renunciation, Aṅga’s Sacrifice, and the Birth of Vena
Prelude to Pṛthu
तमूचुर्विस्मितास्तत्र यजमानमथर्त्विज: । हवींषि हूयमानानि न ते गृह्णन्ति देवता: ॥ २६ ॥
tam ūcur vismitās tatra yajamānam athartvijaḥ havīṁṣi hūyamānāni na te gṛhṇanti devatāḥ
祭司们在场惊讶地对作为祭主的安伽王说：“大王，我们正依仪轨献上酥油等供物，然而诸天并不受纳。”
FAQs
This verse shows that even when offerings appear properly made, the devatās may not accept them if higher principles—such as purity, proper qualification, or divine approval—are lacking in the sacrifice.
The ṛtviks (priests) speak to the yajamāna (the person sponsoring and performing the sacrifice), expressing surprise that the demigods are not accepting the offered oblations.
External correctness alone is not enough; spiritual results depend on inner sincerity, purity of purpose, and alignment with dharma and devotion.