Offering obeisances to be excused of offences

The system of bowing the head to the ground to show respect to superiors is an excellent etiquette which obliges the honored guest deep into the heart. Even the first-grade offender is excused simply by this process.

Generally at the last stage of one's life this humble method is adopted by every sensible man in order to be excused before departure. In this way Maharaja Pariksit implored everyone's good will for going back home, back to Godhead.

(SB 1.19.11 - Purport)