Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.30.25
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRecognizing Kṛṣṇa’s Lotus Feet
“[The gopīs said:] The marks of a flag, lotus, thunderbolt, elephant goad, barleycorn and so forth on these footprints clearly distinguish them as belonging to that great soul, the son of Nanda Mahārāja.”
What the purport teaches
- The gopīs recognize the footprints of the son of Nanda Mahārāja by marks such as the flag, lotus, thunderbolt, elephant goad and barleycorn.
- The purport explains that the disc cuts down devotees’ six mental enemies, while the lotus increases their longing for Kṛṣṇa.
- The thunderbolt smashes devotees’ reactions to past sins, and the elephant goad brings their minds under control. Altogether, Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet bear nineteen distinguishing marks.
Try this today
Choose the lotus, thunderbolt or elephant goad, and spend one minute recalling its meaning.
Ask yourself
Which of these marks and its meanings would help you meditate on Kṛṣṇa’s feet?
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.