Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.3.26
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Lord’s Incarnations Are Inexhaustible
“O brāhmaṇas, the incarnations of the Lord are innumerable, like rivulets flowing from inexhaustible sources of water.”
What the purport teaches
- The incarnations listed are only a partial view. The Lord’s innumerable incarnations appear constantly throughout the universes, like water flowing from inexhaustible sources.
- Incarnations are distinguished by extraordinary feats impossible for ordinary living beings. Some are plenary portions, while others are empowered for particular functions, such as Śrī Nārada with devotional service.
- Lord Kṛṣṇa and Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu are the original source of other incarnations. In Kali-yuga, Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu appears garbed as a devotee.
Try this today
Spend one minute remembering the Lord’s inexhaustible manifestations and express your desire to serve Him.
Ask yourself
How does the Lord’s appearance as a devotee deepen my appreciation for devotional service?
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.