PURPORT

This verse from Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.18.12) was spoken to Suta Gosvami at the meeting of great sages at Naimisaranya. The great sages were headed by Saunaka, and Suta Gosvami spoke of the glorious activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead at that meeting. At that time, all the rsis assembled there neglected to complete the ritualistic ceremonies because there was no positive assurance of the results. All the performers were coated with black ash due to the large amount of smoke coming from the fire.