Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.75.4-7
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesServe With Eagerness to Please
“Bhīma supervised the kitchen, Duryodhana looked after the treasury, while Sahadeva respectfully greeted the arriving guests. Nakula procured needed items, Arjuna attended the respectable elders, and Kṛṣṇa washed everyone’s feet, while Draupadī served food, and generous Karṇa gave out the gifts. Many others, such as Yuyudhāna; Vikarṇa, Hārdikya; Vidura; Bhūriśravā and other sons of Bāhlīka; and Santardana, similarly volunteered for various duties during the elaborate sacrifice. They did so because of their eagerness to please Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira, O best of kings.”
What the purport teaches
- The volunteers accepted varied duties: Bhīma supervised the kitchen, Duryodhana managed the treasury, and Sahadeva welcomed guests.
- Kṛṣṇa washed everyone’s feet, while Arjuna attended the elders and Draupadī served food. Humble service had a place within the elaborate sacrifice.
- Karṇa distributed gifts, and many others volunteered for needed duties. Their eagerness to please Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira moved them to serve.
Try this today
Remember Kṛṣṇa washing everyone’s feet as you do one humble act of service today.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to accept a humble task simply to please the person I serve?
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.