Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.68.1
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSāmba Overrides Lakṣmaṇā’s Choice
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: O King, Jāmbavatī’s son Sāmba, ever victorious in battle, kidnapped Duryodhana’s daughter Lakṣmaṇā from her svayaṁvara ceremony.”
What the purport teaches
- A svayaṁvara ceremony allowed a girl to select her husband according to her own choice. Many princes wanted to marry the highly qualified Lakṣmaṇā.
- Sāmba was the son of Lord Kṛṣṇa and Jāmbavatī. His name indicates that he always remained close to his mother.
- Lakṣmaṇā was not inclined to accept Sāmba. Wanting her as his wife, he kidnapped her by force from the ceremony.
Try this today
In one decision involving someone else today, ask what they want rather than assuming their agreement.
Ask yourself
How do I respond when another person’s choice differs from my desire?
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.