Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.60.40
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesKṛṣṇa’s Actions Reveal His Fearlessness
“My Lord, as a lion drives away lesser animals to claim his proper tribute, You drove off the assembled kings with the resounding twang of Your Śārṅga bow and then claimed me, Your fair share. Thus it is sheer foolishness, my dear Gadāgraja, for You to say You took shelter in the ocean out of fear of those kings.”
What the purport teaches
- Rukmiṇī recalls how Kṛṣṇa drove away the assembled kings with the resounding twang of His Śārṅga bow. Like a lion claiming its proper share, He took her away.
- His actions refute His teasing claim that He sought shelter in the ocean out of fear. Rukmiṇī points out that He had already driven away those very kings.
- Provoked by His praise of other possible husbands, Rukmiṇī speaks in an agitated mood. Her frown and angry sidelong glances accompany her firm rejection of His claim.
Try this today
Reread Rukmiṇī’s description of the Śārṅga bow today and reflect briefly on the Lord’s fearlessness.
Ask yourself
How does Rukmiṇī’s recollection of Kṛṣṇa’s actions support her confidence in Him?
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.