Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.16.24
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Lord Cannot Be Held by Kāliya
“His coils tormented by the expanding body of the Lord, Kāliya released Him. In great anger the serpent then raised his hoods high and stood still, breathing heavily. His nostrils appeared like vessels for cooking poison, and the staring eyes in his face like firebrands. Thus the serpent looked at the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- The Lord expanded His body, tormenting Kāliya’s coils and forcing the serpent to release Him.
- Kāliya responded with great anger, raising his hoods and breathing heavily.
- His nostrils resembled vessels for cooking poison, and his eyes resembled firebrands. Yet his threatening appearance had not enabled him to keep the Lord bound.
Try this today
Reread the Lord’s release from the coils and spend a moment appreciating His power.
Ask yourself
What does the Lord’s release from Kāliya’s coils help me appreciate about His power?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.