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
凡夫多在隐秘处拥抱妻子、享其相伴；而持大誓戒的摩诃提婆却在大圣贤会众之中公开拥抱其妻——何等奇妙！
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.