Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 11
Paramahaṁsa-Dharma: The Avadhūta-like Sannyāsī and Prahlāda’s Dialogue with the ‘Python’ Saint
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । प्रह्रादस्य च संवादं मुनेराजगरस्य च ॥ ११ ॥
atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṁ purātanam prahrādasya ca saṁvādaṁ muner ājagarasya ca
Als Beispiel führen die Weisen eine alte Begebenheit an: den Dialog zwischen Prahlāda Mahārāja und einem großen Muni, der sich wie eine Python ernährte und sich mit dem begnügte, was von selbst kam.
The saintly person met by Prahlāda Mahārāja was undergoing ājagara-vṛtti, the living conditions of a python, which does not go anywhere but sits in one place for years and eats whatever is automatically available. Prahlāda Mahārāja, along with his associates, met this great saint and spoke to him as follows.
FAQs
This verse states that the Bhagavatam supports its teachings by citing ancient historical narratives—here, the dialogue of Prahlāda and the sage Ajagara—as instructive examples.
He introduces an old account to illustrate the principles being discussed in this chapter—saintly behavior, detachment, and devotional understanding—through a well-known dialogue involving Prahlāda.
Use scriptural stories as practical guides: study saintly dialogues, reflect on their teachings, and apply those principles of devotion and detachment to daily decisions.