Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.13.35
Ūti· What drives us to actLord Viṣṇu Receives the Sacrificial Offering
“Thus for the sake of a son for King Aṅga, they decided to offer oblations to Lord Viṣṇu, who is situated in the hearts of all living entities.”
What the purport teaches
- To obtain a son for King Aṅga, the priests decided to offer oblations to Lord Viṣṇu. He is situated in the hearts of all living entities.
- The purport explains that animals sacrificed in Vedic rituals were given new life through the potency of Vedic mantras. This tested whether the mantras were properly pronounced, rather than serving merely to kill animals.
- Lord Viṣṇu is present in the sacrificial flames when oblations are offered. Therefore He is known as Śipiviṣṭa.
Try this today
When meeting someone today, quietly remember that Lord Viṣṇu is situated in that person’s heart.
Ask yourself
How does remembering Lord Viṣṇu’s presence in every heart affect my regard for others?
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.