Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.8.21
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionSeek Shelter Through Evening and Night
“May Lord Madhusūdana, who carries a bow very fearful for the demons, protect me during the fifth part of the day. In the evening, may Lord Mādhava, appearing as Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Maheśvara, protect me, and in the beginning of night may Lord Hṛṣīkeśa protect me. At the dead of night [in the second and third parts of night] may Lord Padmanābha alone protect me.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Madhusūdana carries a bow that is fearful for the demons. The prayer asks His protection during the fifth part of the day.
- In the evening, the prayer seeks protection from Lord Mādhava, appearing as Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Maheśvara.
- Lord Hṛṣīkeśa is asked to protect at the beginning of night. During the second and third parts of night, the prayer asks Lord Padmanābha alone for protection.
Try this today
At the beginning of night, offer a brief prayer to Lord Hṛṣīkeśa for protection.
Ask yourself
Do I remember to seek the Lord’s shelter as my day ends?
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.