Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.12.1-2
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHearing Leads Śiva to Visit the Lord
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, in the form of a woman, captivated the demons and enabled the demigods to drink the nectar. After hearing of these pastimes, Lord Śiva, who is carried by a bull, went to the place where Madhusūdana, the Lord, resides. Accompanied by his wife, Umā, and surrounded by his companions, the ghosts, Lord Śiva went there to see the Lord’s form as a woman.”
What the purport teaches
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, assumed the form of a woman. He captivated the demons and enabled the demigods to drink the nectar.
- After hearing of these pastimes, Lord Śiva went to the place where Madhusūdana resides. He wanted to see the Lord’s form as a woman.
- Lord Śiva traveled on his bull, accompanied by his wife, Umā. His companions, the ghosts, surrounded him.
Try this today
Read this translation aloud once, paying attention to how hearing prompted Lord Śiva to visit the Lord.
Ask yourself
How does hearing about the Lord’s pastimes awaken your interest in Him?
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.