Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 44
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
तद्दीक्षायां प्रवृत्तायां वृष्णय: पुष्करस्रज: । स्नाता: सुवाससो राजन् राजान: सुष्ठ्वलङ्कृता: ॥ ४४ ॥ तन्महिष्यश्च मुदिता निष्ककण्ठ्य: सुवासस: । दीक्षाशालामुपाजग्मुरालिप्ता वस्तुपाणय: ॥ ४५ ॥
tad-dīkṣāyāṁ pravṛttāyāṁ vṛṣṇayaḥ puṣkara-srajaḥ snātāḥ su-vāsaso rājan rājānaḥ suṣṭhv-alaṅkṛtāḥ
When Mahārāja Vasudeva was about to be initiated for the sacrifice, O King, the Vṛṣṇis came to the initiation pavilion after bathing and putting on fine clothes and garlands of lotuses. The other kings also came, elaborately ornamented, as well as all their joyful queens, who wore jeweled lockets around their necks and were also clad in fine garments. The royal wives were anointed with sandalwood paste and carried auspicious items for the worship.
FAQs
This verse shows that when the sacrificial initiation (dīkṣā) begins, participants purify themselves by bathing, wearing clean fine garments, and adorning themselves—external purity reflecting inner reverence for dharma.
Lotus garlands indicate auspiciousness, purity, and festive devotion; the Vṛṣṇis appear as honored participants in a sacred setting connected with Kṛṣṇa’s divine pastimes.
Approach spiritual practice with intentional preparation—cleanliness, dignity, and a focused mindset—so the outer discipline supports inner devotion.