Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.16.31
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionŚunaḥśepha Prays and Is Released
“Śunaḥśepha’s father sold Śunaḥśepha to be sacrificed as a man-animal in the yajña of King Hariścandra. When Śunaḥśepha was brought into the sacrificial arena, he prayed to the demigods for release and was released by their mercy.”
What the purport teaches
- When Hariścandra was to sacrifice Rohita, Rohita arranged to save himself by purchasing Śunaḥśepha from his father as a substitute.
- Śunaḥśepha was the middle son, between the oldest and youngest. His father sold him to be sacrificed as a man-animal in the yajña.
- In the sacrificial arena, Śunaḥśepha prayed to the demigods for release. By their mercy, he was freed.
Try this today
Spend a quiet moment reflecting on Śunaḥśepha’s appeal for mercy and his release.
Ask yourself
What does Śunaḥśepha’s prayer in danger lead me to reflect on?
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.