Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 10 Chapter 80:13-29

Book 10: Eighty (Latter Half)

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 10: Chapter 80: Verses 13-29


Developing this idea in his mind he decided to go, and addressing his wife said, " 0 dear, is there anything in the house fit to be taken as a present ? If so, let me have it. " The wife of the Brahmana begged of her neighbours and secured four handfuls of parched and beaten rice, which she tied up in a piece of rag and gave it to her lord for presentation to Sri Krsna. With those handfuls of beaten rice, it is said, the foremost of Brahmanas set out on his journey to Dwaraka. His only thought on the way was how it would be possible for him to obtain a sight of Bhagavan Sri Krsna. (0 Pariksit, reaching Dwaraka), the Brahmana together with other Brahmanas passed through three camps of guards and three protective walls (one after another), and then reached the mansions occupied by the Andhaka and Vrsni chiefs, who followed the righteous ways of the devotees of God, very difficult of access to ordinary people. There was situated (in the centre of that innermost ring of the city) the palace of Bhagavan Sri Krsna containing the dwellings of His sixteen thousand and odd consorts. In one of them, which was specially decorated, the Brahmana entered with the feelings of one who found himself merged in the Bliss of God-realization. Bhagavan Sri Krsna was at that time seated on a couch with His consort Rukmini. Seeing the Brahmana from a distance, He suddenly rose from His seat and advancing towards him, joyously folded him in both of his arms. (Pariksit!) the lotus-eyed Lord (who is the very embodiment of Bliss) felt extremely delighted when He touched the body of His beloved friend, the Brahmana sage. Tears of joy began to drop from His eyes.
(Taking the Brahmana by the hand) Sri Krsna, the purifier of the world made His friend sit on His (own) couch, and bringing (Himself) all the articles necessary for worship, washed the Brahmana's feet and sprinkled His head with the drops of that water. (Then) He smeared the Brahmana's body with excellent perfumes as well as with the pastes of sandal, aloe-wood and saffron. Having joyfully worshipped His friend with scented fumes and rows of lights, and offering him betel-leaf seasoned with catechu, lime, areca-nut parings and cloves etc., and a cow, the Lord greeted the Brahmana with sweet words. The Brahmana was ill-clad, with an unclean and emaciated body, the veins of which were visible to the eyes. Queen Rukmini herself actually waited on him having the chowry before him. The women of the palace were astonished to see a naked Brahmana being so lovingly honoured by Bhagavan Sri Krsna of spotless fame. (They said to one another.--) "What meritorious act was performed by this naked, destitute, condemned and lowly beggar that the Lord of the three worlds, Bhagavan Sri Krsna, should receive him with such honour and respect. Leaving Sri Rukmini, a manifestation of Goddess Laksmi Herself, who was seated (with Him) in His bed, He embraced the Brahmana as if he were Lord Balarama Himself." Pariksit, taking each other by the hand, Bhagavan Sri Krsna and the Brahmana recounted the sweet incidents of their boyhood, when they lived together in the house of the same teacher. Banagavan Sri Krsna said :0 pious Brahmana, on your return from the preceptor's house, after making the voluntary present to him, did you or did you not marry a wife, who is in every respect worthy of you ? I know that, even though you are leading (I presume) the life of a householder, your heart is free from worldly desires. I am also aware that having realized the truth, you do not entertain any love for wealth.

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