Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.10.42-43
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesServe the Lord Through Practical Tasks
“O King, Lord Bharata carried Lord Rāmacandra’s wooden shoes, Sugrīva and Vibhīṣaṇa carried a whisk and an excellent fan, Hanumān carried a white umbrella, Śatrughna carried a bow and two quivers, and Sītādevī carried a waterpot filled with water from holy places. Aṅgada carried a sword, and Jāmbavān, King of the Ṛkṣas, carried a golden shield.”
What the purport teaches
- Bharata carried Lord Rāmacandra’s wooden shoes, while Sugrīva and Vibhīṣaṇa carried a whisk and an excellent fan.
- Hanumān carried a white umbrella, and Sītādevī carried a waterpot filled with water from holy places.
- Śatrughna carried a bow and two quivers, Aṅgada a sword, and Jāmbavān a golden shield. Each had a particular task in attending the Lord.
Try this today
Prepare a small vessel of water as an offering to the Lord today.
Ask yourself
What small, practical service can you offer 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.