Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.42.3
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesOffering One’s Skill to the Lord
“The maidservant replied: O handsome one, I am a servant of King Kaṁsa, who highly regards me for the ointments I make. My name is Trivakrā. Who else but You two deserve my ointments, which the lord of the Bhojas likes so much?”
What the purport teaches
- Trivakrā introduced herself as a servant of King Kaṁsa, who highly valued the ointments she made. Yet she declared that the two Lords were the most deserving recipients.
- The purport explains that her singular address, “O handsome one,” hinted at conjugal desire for Kṛṣṇa alone. She then said “for both of You” to conceal that feeling.
- She is also known as Kubjā. Her name Trivakrā indicates that her body was bent at the neck, chest and waist.
Try this today
Identify one skill you have and write down one concrete way to use it in devotional service.
Ask yourself
What skill of mine could I use as an offering to the Lord?
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.