Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.19.26-28
Ūti· What drives us to actThe Vrata Pleases Viṣṇu and Lakṣmī
“If an unmarried girl observes this vrata, she will be able to get a very good husband. If a woman who is avīrā — who has no husband or son — executes this ritualistic ceremony, she can be promoted to the spiritual world. A woman whose children have died after birth can get a child with a long duration of life and also become very fortunate in possessing wealth. If a woman is unfortunate she will become fortunate, and if ugly she will become beautiful. By observing this vrata, a diseased man can gain relief from his disease and have an able body with which to work. If one recites this narration while offering oblations to the pitās and demigods, especially during the śrāddha ceremony, the demigods and inhabitants of Pitṛloka will be extremely pleased with him and bestow upon him the fulfillment of all desires. After one performs this ritualistic ceremony, Lord Viṣṇu and His wife, mother Lakṣmī, the goddess of fortune, are very pleased with him. O King Parīkṣit, now I have completely described how Diti performed this ceremony and had good children — the Maruts — and a happy life. I have tried to explain this to you as elaborately as possible.”
What the purport teaches
- The translation describes blessings suited to different circumstances, including a good husband, a long-lived child, wealth, beauty and relief from disease. A woman without a husband or son who observes this vrata can be promoted to the spiritual world.
- Reciting this narration while offering oblations to the pitās and demigods, especially during the śrāddha ceremony, pleases the demigods and inhabitants of Pitṛloka. They bestow the fulfillment of desires.
- Performing this ceremony greatly pleases Lord Viṣṇu and mother Lakṣmī. The account closes by recalling that Diti performed it and received good children—the Maruts—and a happy life.
Try this today
Read aloud the sentence describing how this ceremony pleases Lord Viṣṇu and mother Lakṣmī, and pause to reflect on pleasing Them.
Ask yourself
As I consider the promised blessings, how can I keep pleasing Lord Viṣṇu and mother Lakṣmī central?
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.