Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.4.3
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionThe Supreme Lord Needs No Subordinate
“Indra, the King of heaven, who is very materially opulent, became envious of King Ṛṣabhadeva. Consequently he stopped pouring water on the planet known as Bhārata-varṣa. At that time the Supreme Lord, Ṛṣabhadeva, the master of all mystic power, understood King Indra’s purpose and smiled a little. Then, by His own prowess, through yoga-māyā [His internal potency], He profusely poured water upon His own place, which was known as Ajanābha.”
What the purport teaches
- The word bhagavān can describe exceptionally opulent persons such as Indra. Ṛṣabhadeva, however, is the original Bhagavān, possessing the most powerful spiritual potency.
- When envious Indra withheld rain, Ṛṣabhadeva supplied abundant water through His own internal potency. The almighty Supreme Lord can act without any subordinate’s help.
- The purpose of yajña is to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In this Age of Kali, everyone can perform saṅkīrtana-yajña for material well-being and spiritual advancement.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes this evening for saṅkīrtana-yajña, inviting your family to join if possible.
Ask yourself
How can I make satisfying the Supreme Lord central to my spiritual practice?
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.