Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.15.12
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Lord Accepts Pure, Steady Devotion
“In Mahārāja Gaya’s sacrifices, there was a great supply of the intoxicant known as soma. King Indra used to come and become intoxicated by drinking large quantities of soma-rasa. Also, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Viṣṇu [the yajña-puruṣa] also came and personally accepted all the sacrifices offered unto Him with pure and firm devotion in the sacrificial arena.”
What the purport teaches
- Mahārāja Gaya satisfied all the demigods, headed by King Indra. Indra came to his sacrifices and drank soma-rasa.
- Lord Viṣṇu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, personally came to accept the offerings. They were offered with pure and firm devotion.
- Although Mahārāja Gaya did not desire blessings, he received them from the demigods and the Supreme Lord. His example directs our attention to devotional service rather than seeking rewards.
Try this today
Offer a short prayer to the Supreme Lord today without asking for a personal reward.
Ask yourself
Am I more concerned with offering sincere devotion or receiving something in return?
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.