Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 15
Parīkṣit Confronts Kali; Dharma and Bhūmi Lament Kṛṣṇa’s Departure
तत्र तत्रोपशृण्वान: स्वपूर्वेषां महात्मनाम् । प्रगीयमाणं च यश: कृष्णमाहात्म्यसूचकम् ॥ १३ ॥ आत्मानं च परित्रातमश्वत्थाम्नोऽस्त्रतेजस: । स्नेहं च वृष्णिपार्थानां तेषां भक्तिं च केशवे ॥ १४ ॥ तेभ्य: परमसन्तुष्ट: प्रीत्युज्जृम्भितलोचन: । महाधनानि वासांसि ददौ हारान् महामना: ॥ १५ ॥
tatra tatropaśṛṇvānaḥ sva-pūrveṣāṁ mahātmanām pragīyamāṇaṁ ca yaśaḥ kṛṣṇa-māhātmya-sūcakam
Wherever the King visited, he continuously heard the glories of his great forefathers, who were all devotees of the Lord, and also of the glorious acts of Lord Kṛṣṇa. He also heard how he himself had been protected by the Lord from the powerful heat of the weapon of Aśvatthāmā. People also mentioned the great affection between the descendants of Vṛṣṇi and Pṛthā due to the latter’s great devotion to Lord Keśava. The King, being very pleased with the singers of such glories, opened his eyes in great satisfaction. Out of magnanimity he was pleased to award them very valuable necklaces and clothing.
Kings and great personalities of the state are presented with welcome addresses. This is a system from time immemorial, and Mahārāja Parīkṣit, since he was one of the well-known emperors of the world, was also presented with addresses of welcome in all parts of the world as he visited those places. The subject matter of those welcome addresses was Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa means Kṛṣṇa and His eternal devotees, as the king means the king and his confidential associates.
FAQs
This verse shows that a righteous ruler becomes deeply pleased with saintly persons and honors them with gifts—wealth, garments, and ornaments—expressing genuine affection and respect.
Parīkṣit was satisfied by their saintly qualities and the devotional atmosphere surrounding Kṛṣṇa’s glories; out of gratitude and dharmic etiquette, he honored them with generous offerings.
Show practical respect to sincere spiritual practitioners—support dharmic learning, offer service or donations within your means, and cultivate heartfelt gratitude rather than mere formality.