Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.19.16
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThree Steps Reveal the Lord’s Prowess
“O King of the Daityas, from Your Majesty, who come from such a noble family and who are able to give charity munificently, I ask only three paces of land, to the measurement of My steps.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Vāmanadeva asked the generous king for only three paces of land, measured by His own footsteps.
- He did not want more than necessary, although He appeared to be an ordinary human child.
- His request actually embraced the upper, middle and lower planetary systems. This was to show the prowess of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Try this today
Spend a minute today remembering that Vāmanadeva’s childlike appearance did not limit His supreme power.
Ask yourself
How does the contrast between the Lord’s small request and His actual power deepen your appreciation of 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.