Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.12.41
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesReverence Met with the Lord’s Embrace
“Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: O King, having thus been praised by the Supreme Personality, who bears the mark of Śrīvatsa on His chest, Lord Śiva circumambulated Him. Then, after taking permission from Him, Lord Śiva returned to his abode, Kailāsa, along with his associates.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Śiva circumambulated the Supreme Personality of Godhead and took His permission before returning to Kailāsa with his associates.
- Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura explains that Lord Viṣṇu arose and embraced Lord Śiva as he offered obeisances.
- The Śrīvatsa mark adorns Lord Viṣṇu’s chest. During His embrace, this mark touched Lord Śiva’s bosom.
Try this today
Offer one respectful bow to the Supreme Personality of Godhead today, remembering Lord Śiva’s reverence.
Ask yourself
What does Lord Śiva’s respectful conduct teach me about approaching the Lord?
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.