Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.1.39
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotees Face Strength and Offer Protection
“Are the twin brothers who are protected by their brothers doing well? Just as the eye is always protected by the eyelid, they are protected by the sons of Pṛthā, who snatched back their rightful kingdom from the hands of their enemy Duryodhana, just as Garuḍa snatched nectar from the mouth of Indra, the thunderbolt carrier.”
What the purport teaches
- Garuḍa took nectar from powerful Indra, and the Pāṇḍavas recovered their kingdom from powerful Duryodhana. As beloved devotees of the Lord, they could face such strong enemies.
- After Mādrī’s departure, Kuntī cared for Nakula and Sahadeva. Although they were stepbrothers of the other Pāṇḍavas, all five were known as regular brothers.
- The elder brothers protected the twins as eyelids protect the eyes. Vidura wanted to know whether the younger brothers were still living happily under their care.
Try this today
Check on one younger or dependent family member and offer a small, practical kindness.
Ask yourself
Who depends on my care, and do I take an interest in their happiness?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.