Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.86.27-29
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHonor the Lord with Grateful Service
“When King Bahulāśva, a descendant of Janaka, saw Lord Kṛṣṇa approaching his house from a distance with the sages, who were somewhat fatigued from the journey, he immediately arranged to have seats of honor brought out for them. After they were all comfortably seated, the wise King, his heart overflowing with joy and his eyes clouded by tears, bowed down to them and washed their feet with intense devotion. Taking the wash water, which could purify the entire world, he sprinkled it on his head and the heads of his family members. Then he worshiped all those great lords by offering them fragrant sandalwood paste, flower garlands, fine clothing and ornaments, incense, lamps, arghya and cows and bulls.”
What the purport teaches
- Bahulāśva immediately arranged comfortable seats for the Lord and the weary sages. With intense devotion and tears of joy, he bowed down and washed their feet.
- He sprinkled the purifying wash water on his head and his family members’ heads, then offered many gifts in worship.
- He knew that the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His pure devotees are always beyond worldly contamination. Astonished by their presence in his home, he thanked Kṛṣṇa for His causeless mercy.
Try this today
Offer the Lord a flower today with a brief prayer of thanks for His causeless mercy.
Ask yourself
How can gratitude for the Lord’s mercy make my service more attentive?
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.