Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.7.14
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Demons’ Strength Fades
“Vāsuki had thousands of eyes and mouths. From his mouths he breathed smoke and blazing fire, which affected the demons, headed by Pauloma, Kāleya, Bali and Ilvala. Thus the demons, who appeared like sarala trees burned by a forest fire, gradually became powerless.”
What the purport teaches
- Vāsuki had thousands of eyes and mouths. Smoke and blazing fire came from his mouths as he breathed.
- This fiery breath affected the demons headed by Pauloma, Kāleya, Bali and Ilvala.
- The demons looked like sarala trees burned by a forest fire. Gradually, they became powerless.
Try this today
Reread the comparison with burned sarala trees and reflect for a moment on how strength can diminish.
Ask yourself
What does the demons’ loss of strength remind you about bodily power?
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.