Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.83.19
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesOnly Kṛṣṇa Could Strike the Target
“Just as a fish was used as a target in your svayaṁvara ceremony, O Queen, to assure that you would obtain Arjuna as your husband, so a fish was also used in my ceremony. In my case, however, it was concealed on all sides, and only its reflection could be seen in a pot of water below.”
What the purport teaches
- Both ceremonies used a fish target, but Lakṣmaṇā’s was concealed on all sides. Only its reflection in water below could be seen.
- The purport explains that Draupadī’s target was only partially covered. A marksman could see it by looking straight up the pillar.
- Lakṣmaṇā’s target required aiming while looking up and down at the same time, an impossible feat for any mortal. Only Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, could strike it.
Try this today
Pause after reading and offer a brief expression of reverence to Kṛṣṇa for His supreme ability.
Ask yourself
How does this account help me recognize Kṛṣṇa’s position beyond mortal ability?
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.