Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.50.50-53
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesA Spacious City Beautified by Kṛṣṇa’s Palaces
“In the construction of that city could be seen the full scientific knowledge and architectural skill of Viśvakarmā. There were wide avenues, commercial roads and courtyards laid out on ample plots of land; there were splendid parks, and also gardens stocked with trees and creepers from the heavenly planets. The gateway towers were topped with golden turrets touching the sky, and their upper levels were fashioned of crystal quartz. The gold-covered houses were adorned in front with golden pots and on top with jeweled roofs, and their floors were inlaid with precious emeralds. Beside the houses stood treasury buildings, warehouses, and stables for fine horses, all built of silver and brass. Each residence had a watchtower, and also a temple for its household deity. Filled with citizens of all four social orders, the city was especially beautified by the palaces of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Lord of the Yadus.”
What the purport teaches
- The city displayed Viśvakarmā’s scientific knowledge and architectural skill. Main highways ran in front, secondary roads behind, and courtyards lay between them.
- Within the courtyard walls stood multistoried golden residences with crystal watchtowers crowned by golden pots. The buildings occupied ample plots, leaving plenty of room for green areas.
- Each residence had a temple for its household deity. Citizens of all four social orders lived in the city, which was especially beautified by Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s palaces.
Try this today
Clean and arrange one small space in your home for worship today.
Ask yourself
How can your home make room for worship alongside everyday needs?
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.