Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.19.27
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesUncommon Features of a Great Personality
“His collarbone was fleshy, his chest broad and thick, his navel deep and his abdomen beautifully striped. His arms were long, and curly hair was strewn over his beautiful face. He was naked, and the hue of his body reflected that of Lord Kṛṣṇa.”
What the purport teaches
- Śukadeva Gosvāmī had a broad chest, long arms and curly hair scattered over his beautiful face. The translation carefully describes his distinctive bodily features.
- The purport identifies these features as uncommon signs typical of great personalities. They distinguished him from ordinary men according to the traditional study of bodily signs.
- His bodily hue resembled that of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Lord Kṛṣṇa is supreme among the gods, demigods and all living beings.
Try this today
Reread the description today, pausing at the reminder that Lord Kṛṣṇa is supreme among all living beings.
Ask yourself
What does this description help me appreciate about Śukadeva Gosvāmī’s exceptional presence?
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.