Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.22.23
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesGiving With Affection and Within One’s Means
“Empress Śatarūpā lovingly gave most valuable presents, suitable for the occasion, such as jewelry, clothes and household articles, in dowry to the bride and bridegroom.”
What the purport teaches
- Śatarūpā lovingly gave ornaments, clothing and household articles to the bride and bridegroom. These gifts suited the marriage of an emperor’s daughter.
- Kardama Muni, previously living as a brahmacārī, received the necessary articles for household life along with a qualified wife.
- The purport describes marriage gifts according to the family’s means; when unable to give more, one could give a fruit and a flower. It also notes that God can be pleased even by a fruit and a flower.
Try this today
Give someone a small, useful gift today as an expression of goodwill.
Ask yourself
How can I express affection through a useful gift within my means?
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.