Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 12.10.15
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRespect Expressed Through Thoughtful Offerings
“Mārkaṇḍeya worshiped Lord Śiva, along with Umā and Śiva’s associates, by offering them words of welcome, sitting places, water for washing their feet, scented drinking water, fragrant oils, flower garlands and ārati lamps.”
What the purport teaches
- Mārkaṇḍeya worshiped Lord Śiva together with Umā and Śiva’s associates. His welcome included everyone present.
- He offered words of welcome, sitting places and water for washing their feet. His respect took the form of practical service.
- He also offered scented drinking water, fragrant oils, flower garlands and ārati lamps. These offerings expressed his worship.
Try this today
Welcome someone today with kind words and an offer of a seat or drinking water.
Ask yourself
How can you express respect through a thoughtful act of service?
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.