Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 35
The Appearance of Lord Viṣṇu (Kṛṣṇa) and the Divine Exchange with Yoga-māyā
वर्षवातातपहिमघर्मकालगुणाननु । सहमानौ श्वासरोधविनिर्धूतमनोमलौ ॥ ३४ ॥ शीर्णपर्णानिलाहारावुपशान्तेन चेतसा । मत्त: कामानभीप्सन्तौ मदाराधनमीहतु: ॥ ३५ ॥
varṣa-vātātapa-hima- gharma-kāla-guṇān anu sahamānau śvāsa-rodha- vinirdhūta-mano-malau
My dear father and mother, you endured rain, wind, strong sun, scorching heat and severe cold, suffering all sorts of inconvenience according to different seasons. By practicing prāṇāyāma to control the air within the body through yoga, and by eating only air and dry leaves fallen from the trees, you cleansed from your minds all dirty things. In this way, desiring a benediction from Me, you worshiped Me with peaceful minds.
Vasudeva and Devakī did not obtain the Supreme Personality of Godhead as their son very easily, nor does the Supreme Godhead accept merely anyone as His father and mother. Here we can see how Vasudeva and Devakī obtained Kṛṣṇa as their eternal son. In our own lives, we are meant to follow the principles indicated herewith for getting good children. Of course, it is not possible for everyone to get Kṛṣṇa as his son, but at least one can get very good sons and daughters for the benefit of human society. In Bhagavad-gītā it is said that if human beings do not follow the spiritual way of life, there will be an increase of varṇa-saṅkara population, population begotten like cats and dogs, and the entire world will become like hell. Not practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness but simply encouraging artificial means to check the population will be futile; the population will increase, and it will consist of varṇa-saṅkara, unwanted progeny. It is better to teach people how to beget children not like hogs and dogs, but in controlled life.
FAQs
This verse describes how Vasudeva and Devakī endured severe climatic hardships and practiced breath-restraint, resulting in purification of the mind—showing tapasya as supportive preparation for divine grace.
Śukadeva explains their disciplined endurance and yogic restraint to highlight their inner purification and steadfast devotion while awaiting the Lord’s descent.
Steady self-regulation—such as moderated habits, simple living, and focused prayer/meditation—reduces mental agitation and supports devotion, echoing the verse’s emphasis on cleansing the mind.