Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.2.21
Sthāna· The universe in orderParental Care and Responsibility Shape Children
“Because of drinking the breast milk of their mother, the nine sons of Āgnīdhra naturally had strong, well-built bodies. Their father gave them each a kingdom in a different part of Jambūdvīpa. The kingdoms were named according to the names of the sons. Thus the sons of Āgnīdhra ruled the kingdoms they received from their father.”
What the purport teaches
- The ācāryas explain that mātuḥ anugrahāt refers to the mother’s breast milk. The verse credits this nourishment with the sons’ strong, well-built bodies.
- The sons were also endowed with their mother’s nature. The purport emphasizes protecting women’s purity and chastity so that their children can benefit human society.
- Āgnīdhra gave each son a kingdom in a different part of Jambūdvīpa. Each kingdom bore its ruler’s name, and the sons ruled what their father had given them.
Try this today
Thank someone who has helped nourish, protect or prepare you for your responsibilities.
Ask yourself
How has the care you received helped prepare you to benefit others?
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.