Śrī Viśvarūpa said: O demigods, although the acceptance of priesthood is decried as causing the loss of previously acquired brahminical power, how can someone like me refuse to accept your personal request? You are all exalted commanders of the entire universe. I am your disciple and must take many lessons from you. Therefore I cannot refuse you. I must agree for my own benefit.
Srimad Bhagavata Purana
श्रीमद्भागवतमहापुराणम्
मूल श्लोकः
विश्वरूप उवाच । विगर्हितं धर्मशीलैर्ब्रह्मवर्च उपव्ययम् । कथं नु मद्विधो नाथा लोकेशैरभियाचितम् । प्रत्याख्यास्यति तच्छिष्यः स एव स्वार्थ उच्यते
viśvarūpa uvāca | vigarhitaṃ dharmaśīlairbrahmavarca upavyayam | kathaṃ nu madvidho nāthā lokeśairabhiyācitam | pratyākhyāsyati tacchiṣyaḥ sa eva svārtha ucyate
SB 6.7.35