Shloka 28
Brahmā Counsels the Demigods; Journey to Kailāsa; Śiva’s Tranquility and Brahmā’s Praise
हित्वा यक्षेश्वरपुरीं वनं सौगन्धिकं च तत् । द्रुमै: कामदुघैर्हृद्यं चित्रमाल्यफलच्छदै: ॥ २८ ॥
hitvā yakṣeśvara-purīṁ vanaṁ saugandhikaṁ ca tat drumaiḥ kāma-dughair hṛdyaṁ citra-mālya-phala-cchadaiḥ
Leaving the city of Yakṣeśvara behind, the demigods passed over the forest called Saugandhika, delightful with wish-fulfilling trees, and adorned with many kinds of flowers, fruits, and pleasing shade.
Yakṣeśvara is also known as Kuvera, and he is the treasurer of the demigods. In the descriptions of him in Vedic literature, it is stated that he is fabulously rich. It appears from these verses that Kailāsa is situated near the residential quarters of Kuvera. It is also stated here that the forest was full of desire trees. In Brahma-saṁhitā we learn about the desire tree which is found in the spiritual world, especially in Kṛṣṇaloka, the abode of Lord Kṛṣṇa. We learn here that such desire trees are also found in Kailāsa, the residence of Lord Śiva, by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. It thus appears that Kailāsa has a special significance; it is almost like the residence of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
FAQs
In this verse, Saugaṇdhika is described as a fragrant, heart-pleasing forest adorned with wish-fulfilling trees, highlighting the Bhagavatam’s portrayal of divine, auspicious landscapes.
Yakṣeśvara refers to the lord of the Yakṣas—commonly identified as Kuvera—whose city is mentioned as a landmark that is left behind in the narrative.
It reminds devotees that the Bhagavatam guides the mind toward purity and higher aspiration by describing sacred journeys and uplifting environments—encouraging one to seek spiritually nourishing places, company, and practices.