Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.16.65-67
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesOffer Worship and Desire to Serve
“Kāliya worshiped the Lord of the universe by offering Him fine garments, along with necklaces, jewels and other valuable ornaments, wonderful scents and ointments, and a large garland of lotus flowers. Having thus pleased the Lord, whose flag is marked with the emblem of Garuḍa, Kāliya felt satisfied. Receiving the Lord’s permission to leave, Kāliya circumambulated Him and offered Him obeisances. Then, taking his wives, friends and children, he went to his island in the sea. The very moment Kāliya left, the Yamunā was immediately restored to her original condition, free from poison and full of nectarean water. This happened by the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who was manifesting a humanlike form to enjoy His pastimes.”
What the purport teaches
- Kṛṣṇa arranged for His own Kaustubha gem to enter Kāliya’s treasury and then be offered back to Him by Kāliya’s wives. They thought it was simply one of their jewels, while He was acting like an ordinary human being.
- Kāliya desired to become Kṛṣṇa’s carrier, considering himself the servant of His servant. His wish was to offer his ability to travel great distances in the Lord’s service.
- After pleasing the Lord through worship, Kāliya received permission to leave and departed with his family and friends. By the mercy of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Yamunā immediately became free from poison and full of nectarean water.
Try this today
Offer Kṛṣṇa a brief prayer today naming one ability you wish to use in His devotional service.
Ask yourself
What ability can I offer in Kṛṣṇa’s service, following Kāliya’s desire to serve?
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.