Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.1.8
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDifferent Planets Have Distinct Opulences
“As Lord Brahmā descended on his carrier, the great swan, all the residents of the planets named Siddhaloka, Gandharvaloka, Sādhyaloka and Cāraṇaloka, as well as great sages and demigods flying in their different airplanes, assembled within the canopy of the sky to receive Lord Brahmā and worship him. As he received respect and adoration from the residents of the various planets, Lord Brahmā appeared just like the full moon surrounded by illuminating stars. Lord Brahmā’s great swan then arrived at the border of Gandhamādana Hill and approached Prince Priyavrata, who was sitting there.”
What the purport teaches
- The purport describes regular travel between the planets of the demigods. Residents of different planets assembled in the sky to receive and honor Lord Brahmā.
- Each planetary system has a unique opulence. Siddhaloka’s residents possess advanced mystic powers, Gandharvaloka’s residents excel in music, and Sādhyaloka’s residents are great saints.
- Brahmā traveled on a great swan to Gandhamādana Hill, where Priyavrata, Nārada and Svāyambhuva Manu were sitting. Surrounded by those honoring him, he appeared like the full moon among illuminating stars.
Try this today
Reread the description of Brahmā’s welcome and pause to appreciate the respect shown by the assembled sages and demigods.
Ask yourself
What does the respectful welcome offered to Brahmā invite me to notice?
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.