Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 37
Balarāma Humbles the Kurus and Rescues Sāmba
यस्याङ्घ्रिपङ्कजरजोऽखिललोकपालै- र्मौल्युत्तमैर्धृतमुपासिततीर्थतीर्थम् । ब्रह्मा भवोऽहमपि यस्य कला: कलाया: श्रीश्चोद्वहेम चिरमस्य नृपासनं क्व ॥ ३७ ॥
yasyāṅghri-paṅkaja-rajo ’khila-loka-pālair mauly-uttamair dhṛtam upāsita-tīrtha-tīrtham brahmā bhavo ’ham api yasya kalāḥ kalāyāḥ śrīś codvahema ciram asya nṛpāsanaṁ kva
“The dust of Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, which is the source of holiness for all places of pilgrimage, is worshiped by all the great demigods. The principal deities of all planets are engaged in His service, and they consider themselves most fortunate to take the dust of the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa on their crowns. Great demigods like Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva, and even the goddess of fortune and I, are simply parts of His spiritual identity, and we also carefully carry that dust on our heads. And still Kṛṣṇa is not fit to use the royal insignia or even sit on the royal throne?
The above translation is based on Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. According to Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī, the place of pilgrimage especially referred to here is the Ganges River. The Ganges water is inundating the whole world, and since it is emanating from Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, its banks have turned into great places of pilgrimage.
FAQs
This verse says even the guardians of the worlds place the dust of Krishna’s lotus feet on their crowns, showing His feet are the highest tīrtha (holy place) and the supreme object of worship.
To establish Krishna’s supremacy: Brahmā, Śiva, and even the speaker himself are described as partial expansions, while Lakṣmī serves Him—therefore Krishna’s identity is beyond ordinary kingship.
By honoring Krishna as the ultimate shelter—placing devotion above status, power, or worldly roles—and by seeking purification through remembrance and worship of His lotus feet.