Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.8.55
Mukti· LiberationOffer Pure, Available Gifts to Kṛṣṇa
“One should worship the Lord by offering pure water, pure flower garlands, fruits, flowers and vegetables which are available in the forest, or by collecting newly grown grasses, small buds of flowers or even the skins of trees, and if possible, by offering tulasī leaves, which are very dear to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”
What the purport teaches
- Tulasī leaves are very dear to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Devotees should, as far as possible, arrange to grow tulasī for His worship.
- Worship need not stop because water from the Ganges or Yamunā is unavailable. Any very clear water, collected purely, may be used.
- Flowers, fruits and vegetables should be gathered according to local availability. Offerings to Kṛṣṇa must follow authorized instructions rather than personal whims.
Try this today
Collect a little clear water in a clean vessel and offer it to the Lord.
Ask yourself
What pure, suitable offering is already available to me today?
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.