Shloka 49
The Earth Laughs at World-Conquering Kings; Yuga-Dharma and the Remedy for Kali
तस्मात् सर्वात्मना राजन् हृदिस्थं कुरु केशवम् । म्रियमाणो ह्यवहितस्ततो यासि परां गतिम् ॥ ४९ ॥
tasmāt sarvātmanā rājan hṛdi-sthaṁ kuru keśavam mriyamāṇo hy avahitas tato yāsi parāṁ gatim
সেয়ে, হে ৰাজন, সৰ্বাত্মনাৰে কেশৱক হৃদয়ত স্থাপন কৰা। মৃত্যুকালতো সাৱধানচিত্তে তাতেই একাগ্ৰ থাকিলে তুমি নিশ্চয় পৰম গতি লাভ কৰিবা।
Although the Supreme Lord is always in the heart of every living being, the words hṛdi-sthaṁ kuru keśavam indicate that one should endeavor to realize the Lord’s presence there and maintain this awareness at every moment. Parīkṣit Mahārāja is about to give up this world and is receiving final instructions from his spiritual master, Śukadeva Gosvāmī. In the context of the King’s imminent departure, this verse has special significance.
FAQs
Bhāgavatam 12.3.49 instructs that if one establishes Keśava in the heart and remains attentive to Him while dying, one attains the supreme destination.
Parīkṣit Mahārāja was facing imminent death, and Śukadeva emphasized the essential remedy: wholehearted remembrance of Kṛṣṇa, which grants the highest perfection even in Kali-yuga.
Practice daily Kṛṣṇa-smaraṇa—hearing Bhāgavatam, chanting the holy names, and mindful devotion—so that remembrance becomes natural and steady even in life’s final moments.