Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.27.35
Mukti· LiberationServe the Deity with loving care
“On special occasions, and daily if possible, the Deity should be massaged with ointment, shown a mirror, offered a eucalyptus stick for brushing His teeth, bathed with the five kinds of nectar, offered all kinds of opulent foods, and entertained with singing and dancing.”
What the purport teaches
- Deity worship includes cleaning His teeth, massaging His body, bathing Him, and offering garments, ornaments and fragrant gifts.
- The devotee should offer palatable foods and a place to rest, fan the Deity, and perform music, singing and dancing.
- This worship should be performed on special religious occasions, or daily if one can afford it. Ekādaśī is an appropriate day for special Deity worship.
Try this today
Offer a short song to the Lord today as an act of service.
Ask yourself
Which offering described here helps you appreciate the personal care involved in Deity 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.