Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 38
The Solar Eclipse at Samanta-pañcaka and the Great Reunion of Yādavas, Pāṇḍavas, and Vraja
एतावदृष्टपितरौ युवयो: स्म पित्रो: सम्प्रीणनाभ्युदयपोषणपालनानि । प्राप्योषतुर्भवति पक्ष्म ह यद्वदक्ष्णो- र्न्यस्तावकुत्रचभयौ न सतां पर: स्व: ॥ ३८ ॥
etāv adṛṣṭa-pitarau yuvayoḥ sma pitroḥ samprīṇanābhyudaya-poṣaṇa-pālanāni prāpyoṣatur bhavati pakṣma ha yadvad akṣṇor nyastāv akutra ca bhayau na satāṁ paraḥ svaḥ
Before these two boys had ever seen Their real parents, you acted as Their parents and gave Them all affectionate care, training, nourishment and protection. They were never afraid, good lady, because you protected Them just as eyelids protect the eyes. Indeed, saintly persons like you never discriminate between outsiders and their own kin.
As Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī explains, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma had not seen Their parents for two reasons: because of Their exile in Vraja, and also because They are never actually born and therefore have no parents.
FAQs
This verse highlights that parents feel fulfilled through their children’s presence, welfare, nourishment, and protection—implying that caring for parents is a vital expression of dharma and gratitude.
The analogy shows how the Lord’s presence brings natural relief and safety, just as eyelids comfort and protect the eyes when properly in place.
Cultivate compassion and non-sectarian goodwill—treat others as family in spirit, reducing fear, hostility, and divisiveness while living devotional values.