Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.19.6
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionKṛṣṇa’s Lotus Feet Sanctify the Rivers
“The river [by which the King sat to fast] carries the most auspicious water, which is mixed with the dust of the lotus feet of the Lord and tulasī leaves. Therefore that water sanctifies the three worlds inside and outside and even sanctifies Lord Śiva and other demigods. Consequently everyone who is destined to die must take shelter of this river.”
What the purport teaches
- The river carries water mixed with the dust of the Lord’s lotus feet and tulasī leaves. This water sanctifies the three worlds, inside and outside, even purifying Lord Śiva and other demigods.
- Although the Ganges is generally named, Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī identifies the King’s place of shelter as the Yamunā. The purport supports this through its proximity to Hastināpura and its direct connection with Lord Kṛṣṇa.
- The Yamunā was sanctified by contact with Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet during His transcendental pastimes. On hearing of his approaching death, Mahārāja Parīkṣit immediately took shelter on its sacred bank.
Try this today
Reread the translation slowly, reflecting on how contact with the Lord’s lotus feet sanctifies the river.
Ask yourself
How does the river’s connection with Kṛṣṇa deepen my understanding of its sanctity?
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.