Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.24.30
Sthāna· The universe in orderProud Strength Cannot Defeat the Supreme Lord
“Beneath Mahātala is the planetary system known as Rasātala, which is the abode of the demoniac sons of Diti and Danu. They are called Paṇis, Nivāta-kavacas, Kāleyas and Hiraṇya-puravāsīs [those living in Hiraṇya-pura]. They are all enemies of the demigods, and they reside in holes like snakes. From birth they are extremely powerful and cruel, and although they are proud of their strength, they are always defeated by the Sudarśana cakra of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who rules all the planetary systems. When a female messenger from Indra named Saramā chants a particular curse, the serpentine demons of Mahātala become very afraid of Indra.”
What the purport teaches
- Rasātala lies beneath Mahātala and houses the demoniac sons of Diti and Danu. They are enemies of the demigods, powerful and cruel from birth.
- Although proud of their strength, they are always defeated by the Sudarśana cakra of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who rules all planetary systems.
- The purport describes their great fight with Indra. After their defeat, Saramā’s chanting of a mantra frightened them, and they took up residence in Rasātala.
Try this today
Before using one of your abilities today, pause to acknowledge that your strength does not make you supreme.
Ask yourself
Where might pride in my own strength be hiding my dependence on the Supreme Lord?
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.