Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 65
Kāliya-damana: Kṛṣṇa Subdues the Serpent and Purifies the Yamunā
दिव्याम्बरस्रङ्मणिभि: परार्ध्यैरपि भूषणै: । दिव्यगन्धानुलेपैश्च महत्योत्पलमालया ॥ ६५ ॥ पूजयित्वा जगन्नाथं प्रसाद्य गरुडध्वजम् । तत: प्रीतोऽभ्यनुज्ञात: परिक्रम्याभिवन्द्य तम् ॥ ६६ ॥ सकलत्रसुहृत्पुत्रो द्वीपमब्धेर्जगाम ह । तदैव सामृतजला यमुना निर्विषाभवत् । अनुग्रहाद् भगवत: क्रीडामानुषरूपिण: ॥ ६७ ॥
divyāmbara-sraṅ-maṇibhiḥ parārdhyair api bhūṣaṇaiḥ divya-gandhānulepaiś ca mahatyotpala-mālayā
Kāliya worshiped the Lord of the universe by offering Him fine garments, along with necklaces, jewels and other valuable ornaments, wonderful scents and ointments, and a large garland of lotus flowers. Having thus pleased the Lord, whose flag is marked with the emblem of Garuḍa, Kāliya felt satisfied. Receiving the Lord’s permission to leave, Kāliya circumambulated Him and offered Him obeisances. Then, taking his wives, friends and children, he went to his island in the sea. The very moment Kāliya left, the Yamunā was immediately restored to her original condition, free from poison and full of nectarean water. This happened by the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who was manifesting a humanlike form to enjoy His pastimes.
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura has commented extensively on this verse. To explain the word maṇibhiḥ — “(Kāliya worshiped the Lord) with jewels” — the ācārya has quoted from the Śrī Rādhā-kṛṣṇa-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā, by Rūpa Gosvāmī, as follows:
FAQs
This verse describes devotional worship of Śrī Kṛṣṇa through beautiful offerings—garments, garlands, jewels, ornaments, and fragrant unguents—expressing reverence and loving service.
Śrī Kṛṣṇa is worshiped as the supreme Lord, honored with divine items as an expression of gratitude and surrender following His līlā of subduing Kāliya.
Offer what is pure and beautiful—time, attention, cleanliness, fragrance, flowers, and heartfelt prayer—remembering that sincerity and devotion are the essence of worship.