Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 5
Kapila’s Advent: Brahmā’s Confirmation, the Marriage of the Nine Daughters, and Kardama’s Renunciation
मैत्रेय उवाच देवहूत्यपि संदेशं गौरवेण प्रजापते: । सम्यक् श्रद्धाय पुरुषं कूटस्थमभजद्गुरुम् ॥ ५ ॥
maitreya uvāca devahūty api sandeśaṁ gauraveṇa prajāpateḥ samyak śraddhāya puruṣaṁ kūṭa-stham abhajad gurum
圣者弥勒耶说道：提婆胡蒂以敬重与圆满信心领受了生主迦尔达摩的教诲；于是她开始礼敬那安住于众生心中的不动至上人格神、宇宙之师。
This is the process of spiritual realization; one has to receive instruction from a bona fide spiritual master. Kardama Muni was Devahūti’s husband, but because he instructed her on how to achieve spiritual perfection, he naturally became her spiritual master also. There are many instances wherein the husband becomes the spiritual master. Lord Śiva also is the spiritual master of his consort, Pārvatī. A husband should be so enlightened that he should become the spiritual master of his wife in order to enlighten her in the advancement of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Generally strī, or woman, is less intelligent than man; therefore, if the husband is intelligent enough, the woman gets a great opportunity for spiritual enlightenment.
FAQs
This verse shows Devahūti approaching the Supreme Person with proper faith and reverence, indicating that sincere śraddhā is essential for truly taking shelter and progressing in devotion.
Because she honored Kardama Muni as a venerable authority; by accepting his guidance, she properly turned to the Supreme Lord (soon to be revealed as Kapila) as her spiritual master.
Practice humble reverence for authentic spiritual guidance, cultivate steady faith, and align daily choices with the Lord’s teachings—seeking the unchanging spiritual center rather than temporary material solutions.