Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.4.11-12
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesGreatness Through Strong Devotion
“In addition to these sons were Kavi, Havi, Antarikṣa, Prabuddha, Pippalāyana, Āvirhotra, Drumila, Camasa and Karabhājana. These were all very exalted, advanced devotees and authorized preachers of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. These devotees were glorified due to their strong devotion to Vāsudeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore they were very exalted. To satisfy the mind perfectly, I [Śukadeva Gosvāmī] shall hereafter describe the characteristics of these nine devotees when I discuss the conversation between Nārada and Vasudeva.”
What the purport teaches
- Kavi, Havi, Antarikṣa, Prabuddha, Pippalāyana, Āvirhotra, Drumila, Camasa and Karabhājana were highly advanced devotees.
- They were authorized preachers of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Their exalted position came from strong devotion to Vāsudeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Śukadeva Gosvāmī promises to describe their characteristics in the conversation between Nārada and Vasudeva. Such hearing brings full satisfaction to the mind.
Try this today
Reread the description of these devotees and reflect for a minute on their devotion to Vāsudeva.
Ask yourself
Do I recognize strong devotion as the true source of these devotees’ greatness?
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.