Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.16.13-15
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHear Kṛṣṇa’s Glories With His Devotees
“Wherever the King visited, he continuously heard the glories of his great forefathers, who were all devotees of the Lord, and also of the glorious acts of Lord Kṛṣṇa. He also heard how he himself had been protected by the Lord from the powerful heat of the weapon of Aśvatthāmā. People also mentioned the great affection between the descendants of Vṛṣṇi and Pṛthā due to the latter’s great devotion to Lord Keśava. The King, being very pleased with the singers of such glories, opened his eyes in great satisfaction. Out of magnanimity he was pleased to award them very valuable necklaces and clothing.”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa and His unalloyed devotees cannot be separated. Glorifying His devotees means glorifying the Lord, and glorifying the Lord also glorifies His devotees.
- The Lord is present for the devotee through His acts and glories. Mahārāja Parīkṣit felt that presence when he heard how the Lord had protected him in his mother’s womb.
- The King delighted in accounts of his forefathers because they were connected with Lord Kṛṣṇa. He generously rewarded the speakers, whose praise was factual rather than flattering lies.
Try this today
Read the translation aloud once, giving special attention to the Lord’s protection and His devotees’ affection.
Ask yourself
When I hear about devotees, do I notice their connection with Kṛṣṇa?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.