Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.88.17
Ūti· What drives us to actVṛka's Worship Involved Harm to Himself
“[Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued:] Thus advised, the demon proceeded to worship Lord Śiva at Kedāranātha by taking pieces of flesh from his own body and offering them as oblations into the sacred fire, which is Lord Śiva’s mouth.”
What the purport teaches
- Following the advice he had received, the demon went to worship Lord Śiva at Kedāranātha.
- He offered flesh from his own body as oblations into the sacred fire.
- The sacred fire is described as Lord Śiva's mouth. This account describes Vṛka's actions; it does not ask the reader to imitate them.
Try this today
Write a short reminder in your notes: “Vṛka's harmful actions are described here, not prescribed for me.”
Ask yourself
Can I study this account without mistaking bodily harm for a practice I should follow?
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.