Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.23.4-5
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevoted Service Meets Loving Compassion
“The daughter of Manu, who was fully devoted to her husband, looked upon him as greater even than providence. Thus she expected great blessings from him. Having served him for a long time, she grew weak and emaciated due to her religious observances. Seeing her condition, Kardama, the foremost of celestial sages, was overcome with compassion and spoke to her in a voice choked with great love.”
What the purport teaches
- Devahūti was fully devoted to Kardama Muni and expected great blessings from him. She followed his principles and circumstances.
- The purport emphasizes harmony in religious principles within marriage. It explains that a devotee husband and a materialistic wife cannot have peace at home.
- Long service and strict religious observances left Devahūti weak and emaciated. Kardama recognized her condition and spoke with compassion, his voice choked with love.
Try this today
Notice someone’s tiredness today and offer practical help with one of their tasks.
Ask yourself
Do I notice the effort and difficulties of those who serve 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.