Shloka 19
Lord Viṣṇu Instructs Pṛthu: Forgiveness, Ātmā-Deha Viveka, and the Bhakti Ideal of Kingship
भगवानथ विश्वात्मा पृथुनोपहृतार्हण: । समुज्जिहानया भक्त्या गृहीतचरणाम्बुज: ॥ १९ ॥
bhagavān atha viśvātmā pṛthunopahṛtārhaṇaḥ samujjihānayā bhaktyā gṛhīta-caraṇāmbujaḥ
إنّ البهاغافان، روحَ الكون، قد تقبّل العبادة التي قدّمها بريثو وأظهر له رحمتَه. وقد عبد الملك بريثو قدمي الربّ اللوتسيتين عبادةً وافرة؛ ومع هذه العبادة أخذت نشوةُ البهاكتي في الخدمة التعبدية تزداد فيه شيئًا فشيئًا حتى غمرته.
When various ecstasies appear in the body of a devotee, it is to be understood that his devotional service has become perfect. There are many types of transcendental ecstasies in the forms of crying, laughing, perspiring, falling down, and crying like a madman. All these symptoms are sometimes visible on the body of a devotee. They are called aṣṭa-sāttvika-vikāra, which means “eight kinds of transcendental transformations.” They are never to be imitated, but when a devotee actually becomes perfect, these symptoms are visible on his body. The Lord is bhakta-vatsala, which means that He is inclined toward His pure devotee ( bhakta ). Therefore the transcendental ecstatic transaction between the Supreme Lord and His devotee is never like the activities of this material world.
FAQs
This verse shows that the Lord, as the universal Supersoul, personally accepts offerings when they are presented with exalted devotion (bhakti), and He reciprocates by granting shelter at His lotus feet.
Because Pṛthu’s devotion was intense and sincere, the Lord reciprocated—accepting his worship and allowing Pṛthu to firmly take refuge in His lotus feet, the ultimate goal of devotion.
Offer your daily actions—prayer, service, and responsibilities—with sincere devotion rather than mere ritual, trusting that genuine bhakti draws divine reciprocation and inner steadiness.