Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 36
Vasudeva and Devakī Glorify Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma; The Recovery of Devakī’s Six Sons from Sutala
तयो: समानीय वरासनं मुदा निविष्टयोस्तत्र महात्मनोस्तयो: । दधार पादाववनिज्य तज्जलं सवृन्द आब्रह्म पुनद् यदम्बु ह ॥ ३६ ॥
tayoḥ samānīya varāsanaṁ mudā niviṣṭayos tatra mahātmanos tayoḥ dadhāra pādāv avanijya taj jalaṁ sa-vṛnda ā-brahma punad yad ambu ha
Bali took pleasure in offering Them elevated seats. After They sat down, he washed the feet of the two Supreme Personalities. Then he took that water, which purifies the whole world even up to Lord Brahmā, and poured it upon himself and his followers.
FAQs
In this verse, Kṛṣṇa Himself washes the feet of exalted sages and honors the foot-wash water, teaching that serving and revering pure devotees is deeply purifying and a direct expression of bhakti.
Because they are “mahātmās,” great saintly persons; Kṛṣṇa models proper etiquette and devotion by welcoming them, offering them honor, and demonstrating that devotees of God are worthy of the highest respect.
Cultivate humility and reverence toward spiritually advanced people—serve them, hear from them sincerely, and honor their guidance—understanding that genuine association with saints purifies the heart.