Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.7.43
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Poison’s Mark Becomes an Ornament
“As if in defamation, the poison born from the Ocean of Milk manifested its potency by marking Lord Śiva’s neck with a bluish line. That line, however, is now accepted as an ornament of the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- The poison born from the Ocean of Milk showed its potency by marking Lord Śiva’s neck.
- It left a bluish line, described as if it were an attempt to defame him.
- That same line is now accepted as an ornament of Lord Śiva, rather than a disgrace.
Try this today
Take a moment today to reflect on the contrast between a mark of apparent disgrace and an honored ornament.
Ask yourself
How does seeing the bluish line as an ornament change my understanding of Lord Śiva’s deed?
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.