Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 22
Kṛṣṇa’s Impending Departure; Uddhava’s Surrender; King Yadu and the Avadhūta’s Twenty-Four Gurus
Beginnings
एकद्वित्रिचतुष्पादो बहुपादस्तथापद: । बह्व्य: सन्ति पुर: सृष्टास्तासां मे पौरुषी प्रिया ॥ २२ ॥
eka-dvi-tri-catuṣ-pādo bahu-pādas tathāpadaḥ bahvyaḥ santi puraḥ sṛṣṭās tāsāṁ me pauruṣī priyā
In dieser Welt gibt es viele geschaffene Körper—mit einem Bein, mit zwei, drei, vier, mit vielen Beinen oder auch ohne Beine—doch unter ihnen ist Mir die menschliche Gestalt wahrlich am liebsten.
The ultimate purpose of material creation is to facilitate the return of the conditioned souls back home, back to Godhead. Since this redemption of the conditioned souls is especially possible in the human form of life, naturally this form is particularly dear to the compassionate Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
This verse states that among many created life-forms—legged, many-legged, and legless—the human form is especially dear to the Lord, implying it is uniquely meant for conscious spiritual progress and devotion.
In the teachings of the Eleventh Canto, Krishna emphasizes discernment and spiritual urgency; by highlighting the special value of human life, He guides Uddhava toward using human intelligence for bhakti and liberation rather than worldly distraction.
Treat human life as a spiritual opportunity: prioritize daily remembrance of God, ethical living, and devotional practices (hearing, chanting, prayer), rather than living only for consumption and status.