Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.23.30
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesRecognize the Greatness of an Extraordinary Devotee
“Maitreya continued: The greatest of all devotees, Mahārāja Pṛthu, was very powerful, and his character was liberal, magnificent and magnanimous. Thus I have described him to you as far as possible.”
What the purport teaches
- Maitreya describes Mahārāja Pṛthu as the greatest of devotees, powerful, liberal, magnificent and magnanimous. He has described Pṛthu’s character as far as possible.
- The word bhagavat especially refers to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The related title bhagavān is sometimes also used for exceptionally great personalities.
- Such an honorific is not meant for ordinary persons. It may recognize extraordinary qualities, attainment of the highest destination, or knowledge of the difference between knowledge and ignorance.
Try this today
Read the translation again and write down one quality of Pṛthu that you want to appreciate more deeply.
Ask yourself
What does Pṛthu’s character teach me about genuine greatness?
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.