Shloka 21
नीलरक्तोत्पलाम्भोजकह्लारेन्दीवराकरम् । हंससारसचक्राह्वकारण्डवनिकूजितम् ॥ २१ ॥
nīla-raktotpalāmbhoja- kahlārendīvarākaram haṁsa-sārasa-cakrāhva- kāraṇḍava-nikūjitam
That great lake was filled with many lotuses—blue and red, utpala, kumuda, and indīvara—and along its shores swans, cranes, cakravākas, kāraṇḍavas, and other water birds sang sweetly.
The word ākaram, “mine,” is significant in this verse, for the reservoir of water appeared like a mine from which different types of lotus flowers were produced. Some of the lotus flowers grew during the day, some at night and some in the evening, and accordingly they had different names and different colors. All these flowers were present on that lake, and because the lake was so calm and quiet and filled with lotus flowers, superior birds, like swans, cakravākas and kāraṇḍavas, stood on the shores and vibrated their different songs, making the entire scene attractive and beautiful. As there are different types of human beings, according to the association of the three qualities of material nature, there are similarly different types of birds, bees, trees, etc. Everything is divided according to the three qualities of material nature. Birds like swans and cranes, who enjoy clear waters and lotus flowers, are different from crows, who enjoy filthy places. Similarly, there are persons who are controlled by the modes of ignorance and passion and those who are controlled by the mode of goodness. The creation is so varied that there are always varieties found in every society. Thus on the bank of this lake all the superior birds lived to enjoy that atmosphere created by that great reservoir filled with lotus flowers.
FAQs
The verse paints a sacred, sattvic setting—lotuses and melodious water-birds—meant to elevate the mind into devotion and calm concentration before receiving spiritual instruction.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is describing the holy surroundings as the narrative moves into Lord Śiva’s teachings (Rudra-gīta) to the Pracetās in Canto 4, Chapter 24.
Create a peaceful, pure environment for sādhana—seek quiet natural places or keep a clean, serene prayer space—so the mind becomes receptive to śravaṇa (hearing) and nāma-japa.