Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.1.30
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesWonderful Service Depends on Kṛṣṇa’s Grace
“While so excellently ruling the universe, King Priyavrata once became dissatisfied with the circumambulation of the most powerful sun-god. Encircling Sumeru Hill on his chariot, the sun-god illuminates all the surrounding planetary systems. However, when the sun is on the northern side of the hill, the south receives less light, and when the sun is in the south, the north receives less. King Priyavrata disliked this situation and therefore decided to make daylight in the part of the universe where there was night. He followed the orbit of the sun-god on a brilliant chariot and thus fulfilled his desire. He could perform such wonderful activities because of the power he had achieved by worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”
What the purport teaches
- Priyavrata followed the sun’s orbit in a brilliant chariot to bring daylight where there was night. His extraordinary ability came from worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Lord Kṛṣṇa is Yogeśvara, the master of all mystic powers. A devotee’s wonderful accomplishments come through His grace, not through independent mystic power.
- Priyavrata did not wish to compete with the sun-god, because a Vaiṣṇava does not seek to supersede another Vaiṣṇava. His purpose was to give abundant benefit to others.
Try this today
Offer a brief prayer for Kṛṣṇa’s grace, then do one helpful act without seeking recognition.
Ask yourself
Am I using my abilities to benefit others or to outshine them?
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.