Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 4
Dadhīci’s Supreme Charity and the Opening of Indra’s War with Vṛtrāsura
जिजीविषूणां जीवानामात्मा प्रेष्ठ इहेप्सित: । क उत्सहेत तं दातुं भिक्षमाणाय विष्णवे ॥ ४ ॥
jijīviṣūṇāṁ jīvānām ātmā preṣṭha ihepsitaḥ ka utsaheta taṁ dātuṁ bhikṣamāṇāya viṣṇave
In this material world, every living entity is very much addicted to his material body. Struggling to keep his body forever, everyone tries to protect it by all means, even at the sacrifice of all his possessions. Therefore, who would be prepared to deliver his body to anyone, even if it were demanded by Lord Viṣṇu?
It is said, ātmānaṁ sarvato rakṣet tato dharmaṁ tato dhanam: one must protect his body by all means; then he may protect his religious principles and thereafter his possessions. This is the natural desire of all living entities. No one wants to give up his body unless it is forcibly given away. Even though the demigods said that they were demanding Dadhīci’s body for their benefit in accordance with the order of Lord Viṣṇu, Dadhīci superficially refused to give them his body.
FAQs
This verse highlights that life is the dearest possession for embodied beings, yet true surrender means offering even that—especially when it is requested in service to Lord Viṣṇu.
In the context of the demigods’ struggle and the gravity of divine service, he underscores that sacrificing one’s life is not ordinary heroism—it becomes possible only through deep devotion and obedience to the Lord’s will.
By offering what is most “dear” to us—time, ego, comfort, and attachments—in sincere service to God and dharma, cultivating practical surrender through daily choices.