Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.5.1-2
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesJoyfully Celebrating Kṛṣṇa’s Appearance
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: Nanda Mahārāja was naturally very magnanimous, and when Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa appeared as his son, he was overwhelmed by jubilation. Therefore, after bathing and purifying himself and dressing himself properly, he invited brāhmaṇas who knew how to recite Vedic mantras. After having these qualified brāhmaṇas recite auspicious Vedic hymns, he arranged to have the Vedic birth ceremony celebrated for his newborn child according to the rules and regulations, and he also arranged for worship of the demigods and forefathers.”
What the purport teaches
- Nanda Mahārāja was naturally magnanimous and became overwhelmed with joy when Kṛṣṇa appeared as his son. He invited qualified brāhmaṇas and arranged the birth ceremony according to the rules.
- Because of fear of Kaṁsa, Devakī and Vasudeva could not celebrate Kṛṣṇa’s birth. Nanda Mahārāja took full advantage of this opportunity.
- Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, so His appearance cannot be judged by material understanding alone. Nanda Mahārāja’s proper and glorious celebration is known as Nandotsava.
Try this today
Spend a quiet minute remembering Kṛṣṇa’s appearance and Nanda Mahārāja’s joy.
Ask yourself
How can Nanda Mahārāja’s joy inspire my own celebration of Kṛṣṇa?
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.