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Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.1.40

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees

Kuntī Lived to Protect Her Children

“O my lord, is Pṛthā still living? She lived only for the sake of her fatherless children; otherwise it was impossible for her to live without King Pāṇḍu, who was the greatest commander and who alone conquered the four directions simply with the help of a second bow.”

Śrīla Prabhupāda · Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.1.40, translation

What the purport teaches

  • King Pāṇḍu was a great warrior who could conquer the four directions with his bow and arrows. His death brought Kuntī deep bereavement.
  • Mādrī requested that Kuntī live for the sake of the five children, and Vyāsadeva also requested this. Kuntī agreed to remain and care for them.
  • Despite her grief, Kuntī chose to live to protect the fatherless children. Vidura’s inquiry recalls this purpose that sustained her.

Try this today

Do one small task today that supports a child or another person entrusted to your care.

Ask yourself

How does Kuntī’s decision help me appreciate the importance of caring for those who depend on me?

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.

One of the 108 chosen lessons, close to this verseTake Shelter of Kṛṣṇa’s Extraordinary MercySB 3.2.23Next · LeadTeach what you are livingTurn this chapter into a timed class plan or a short reel script.Open Lecture Studio