Shloka 38
Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Renunciation, Austerities, Departure, and the Glory of Hearing His History
वैचित्रवीर्याभिहितं महन्माहात्म्यसूचकम् । अस्मिन् कृतमतिमर्त्यं पार्थवीं गतिमाप्नुयात् ॥ ३८ ॥
vaicitravīryābhihitaṁ mahan-māhātmya-sūcakam asmin kṛtam atimartyaṁ pārthavīṁ gatim āpnuyāt
This narration, spoken by Vaicitravīrya, proclaims great glory. Whoever fixes the mind upon it, though mortal, attains the supreme destination like Mahārāja Pṛthu.
The word śrāvayet, mentioned in a previous verse, indicates that one should not only read for himself, but should also induce others to read and hear. That is called preaching. Caitanya Mahāprabhu recommended this practice: yāre dekha, tāre kaha ‘kṛṣṇa’-upadeśa : “Whomever you meet, simply talk with him about the instructions given by Kṛṣṇa or tell him of narrations about Kṛṣṇa.” ( Cc. Madhya 7.128) Pṛthu Mahārāja’s history of devotional service is as potent as narrations about the activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. One should not make distinctions between the pastimes of the Lord and the activities of Pṛthu Mahārāja, and whenever it is possible a devotee should attempt to induce others to hear about Pṛthu Mahārāja. One should not only read of his pastimes for one’s own benefit but should induce others to read and hear about them also. In this way everyone can be benefited.
FAQs
This verse states that a person who fixes the mind on this narration of Pṛthu’s greatness attains Pṛthu’s exalted destination—an elevated perfection beyond ordinary mortal life.
To emphasize the spiritual potency of śravaṇa and smaraṇa—hearing and remembering the lives of great devotees and kings—so listeners develop faith and determination to absorb the mind in such sacred histories.
Regularly hear or read the Bhāgavatam narrations of exemplary devotees like Pṛthu, and consciously “fix the mind” by reflecting on their qualities and choices; this strengthens devotion, character, and spiritual direction.