Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.27.14
Mukti· LiberationLoving Service Deepens Our Eternal Relationship
“The Deity that is temporarily established can optionally be called forth and sent away, but these two rituals should always be performed when the Deity is traced upon the ground. Bathing should be done with water except if the Deity is made of clay, paint or wood, in which cases a thorough cleansing without water is enjoined.”
What the purport teaches
- Calling forth and sending away are optional for a temporarily established Deity, but required for a Deity traced on the ground. Clay, painted and wooden Deities should be thoroughly cleansed without water.
- The śālagrāma-śilā is automatically installed and must not be called forth or asked to leave. A pure devotee understands the relationship with the Deity to be eternal.
- Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Person, possessing His own unique feelings. Loving devotional service to His Deity form pleases Him and gradually leads the devotee back to His personal abode.
Try this today
During worship today, consciously focus on pleasing the Lord rather than merely completing the actions.
Ask yourself
How does knowing that Kṛṣṇa has His own feelings change my approach to worship?
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.