Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.20.22
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Lord Shows Affection for His Devotee
“The Supreme Personality of Godhead stood with His lotus feet almost touching the ground while He rested the front of His hand on the raised shoulder of Garuḍa, the enemy of the snakes. Mahārāja Pṛthu, wiping the tears from his eyes, tried to look upon the Lord, but it appeared that the King was not fully satisfied by looking at Him. Thus the King offered the following prayers.”
What the purport teaches
- The purport explains that residents of higher planetary systems can stand without touching the ground. Lord Viṣṇu sometimes acts as if He were one of the demigods, although He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Pleased with Pṛthu Mahārāja’s behavior and character, the Lord touched the earth out of affection. He rested His hand on Garuḍa’s raised shoulder as if to keep Himself from falling.
- Pṛthu Mahārāja wiped away his tears and tried to look upon the Lord, yet could not feel satisfied by seeing Him. Overwhelmed with ecstasy, he began offering prayers in a faltering voice.
Try this today
Reread the description of the Lord standing beside Garuḍa, then offer a short prayer appreciating His affection for His devotees.
Ask yourself
What does the Lord’s affectionate response to Pṛthu Mahārāja teach me about His relationship with His devotees?
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.