Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.22.17
Sthāna· The universe in orderSaintly Concern Under Lord Viṣṇu’s Shelter
“Situated 8,800,000 miles above Saturn, or 20,800,000 miles above earth, are the seven saintly sages, who are always thinking of the well-being of the inhabitants of the universe. They circumambulate the supreme abode of Lord Viṣṇu, known as Dhruvaloka, the polestar.”
What the purport teaches
- The seven saintly sages are always thinking of the well-being of the inhabitants of the universe. They circumambulate Dhruvaloka, the polestar, the supreme abode of Lord Viṣṇu.
- The purport describes Lord Viṣṇu as the source of knowledge and transcendental bliss. He has assumed the form of Śiśumāra in the seventh heaven, at the topmost level of the universe.
- All the other planets, beginning with the sun, exist under the shelter of this Śiśumāra planetary system.
Try this today
Take a quiet moment to wish others well while remembering Lord Viṣṇu and the shelter described in this verse.
Ask yourself
How might the sages’ concern for others shape your own devotional outlook?
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.