Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.84.47
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyInitiation According to Scriptural Rules
“After Vasudeva’s eyes had been decorated with black cosmetic and his body smeared with fresh butter, the priests initiated him according to scriptural rules by sprinkling him and his eighteen wives with sacred water. Encircled by his wives, he resembled the regal moon encircled by stars.”
What the purport teaches
- The priests initiated Vasudeva by sprinkling sacred water on him and his eighteen wives, following scriptural rules.
- Devakī was Vasudeva’s principal wife. His wives also included her six sisters.
- With his eyes decorated and his body smeared with fresh butter, Vasudeva stood surrounded by his wives like the regal moon encircled by stars.
Try this today
Reread the initiation description today and note one detail showing its careful preparation.
Ask yourself
What does the careful observance of scriptural rules invite me to notice about sacred ceremonies?
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.