Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 8
Nara-Nārāyaṇa Ṛṣi and the Lord’s Unlimited Incarnations
विज्ञाय शक्रकृतमक्रममादिदेव: प्राह प्रहस्य गतविस्मय एजमानान् । मा भैष्टभो मदन मारुत देववध्वो गृह्णीत नो बलिमशून्यमिमं कुरुध्वम् ॥ ८ ॥
vijñāya śakra-kṛtam akramam ādi-devaḥ prāha prahasya gata-vismaya ejamānān mā bhair vibho madana māruta deva-vadhvo gṛhṇīta no balim aśūnyam imaṁ kurudhvam
原始的主明知因陀罗所犯之过，却不生傲慢；他含笑对战栗的爱神、风神及诸天之妻说道：“莫惧；请受我所献之供品，并以你们的临在净化我的修行林（āśrama）。”
The word gata-vismayaḥ, or “free from false pride,” is very significant. If one becomes proud by performing severe penances, such penances are considered material. One should not think, “I am a great, austere personality.” Śrī Nara-Nārāyaṇa could immediately understand the foolishness of Indra, and thus He was amused by the whole situation. Cupid and the heavenly women, understanding their great offense, were trembling before Nara-Nārāyaṇa in fear of receiving a powerful curse. But the Lord, exhibiting most sublime saintly behavior, reassured them by saying, mā bhaiḥ — “Don’t worry about it” — and actually offered them nice prasādam and articles of worship. “If you do not give Me the opportunity to act as host to the demigods and other respectable personalities,” He said, “what will be the use of My āśrama ? My āśrama will be void without the opportunity to receive respectable personalities such as you.”
FAQs
This verse shows the Lord reassuring the frightened beings—when one is sheltered by the Supreme, fear is dispelled and one can act properly without panic.
The verse indicates the Lord recognized Indra’s misdeed (akramam) and, without agitation, restored order—teaching that divine governance corrects wrongdoing while remaining composed.
When faced with intimidation or social pressure, respond with steadiness: seek higher principles, avoid reactive fear, and complete your rightful duty without wasting the opportunity for good action.