Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 28
The Kingdom of God (Vaikuṇṭha) and the Curse of Jaya and Vijaya
मत्तद्विरेफवनमालिकया निवीतौ विन्यस्तयासितचतुष्टयबाहुमध्ये । वक्त्रं भ्रुवा कुटिलया स्फुटनिर्गमाभ्यां रक्तेक्षणेन च मनाग्रभसं दधानौ ॥ २८ ॥
matta-dvirepha-vanamālikayā nivītau vinyastayāsita-catuṣṭaya-bāhu-madhye vaktraṁ bhruvā kuṭilayā sphuṭa-nirgamābhyāṁ raktekṣaṇena ca manāg rabhasaṁ dadhānau
The two doormen were garlanded with fresh flowers which attracted intoxicated bees and which were placed around their necks and between their four blue arms. From their arched eyebrows, discontented nostrils and reddish eyes, they appeared somewhat agitated.
Their garlands attracted swarms of bees because they were garlands of fresh flowers. In the Vaikuṇṭha world everything is fresh, new and transcendental. The inhabitants of Vaikuṇṭha have bodies of bluish color and four hands like Nārāyaṇa.
FAQs
This verse depicts Viṣṇu’s majestic yet gentle presence—garlanded with forest flowers alive with bees, with expressive brows and reddish eyes—showing that the Lord’s beauty is both intimate and awe-inspiring for devotees.
In the Vaikuṇṭha narrative, the Lord’s darśana transforms the heart; the detailed description helps listeners meditate on His personal form and qualities, strengthening bhakti through remembrance.
Practice devotional visualization and remembrance—regularly hear and contemplate the Lord’s form and qualities—so the mind becomes steady, softened, and naturally drawn toward devotion rather than distraction.