Shloka 35
The Appearance of Lord Viṣṇu (Kṛṣṇa) and the Divine Exchange with Yoga-māyā
वर्षवातातपहिमघर्मकालगुणाननु । सहमानौ श्वासरोधविनिर्धूतमनोमलौ ॥ ३४ ॥ शीर्णपर्णानिलाहारावुपशान्तेन चेतसा । मत्त: कामानभीप्सन्तौ मदाराधनमीहतु: ॥ ३५ ॥
varṣa-vātātapa-hima- gharma-kāla-guṇān anu sahamānau śvāsa-rodha- vinirdhūta-mano-malau
My father and mother, you endured rain, wind, blazing sun, scorching heat, and bitter cold according to the seasons. By prāṇāyāma and the restraint of breath you cleansed the mind of all impurity; living on dry fallen leaves and even on air alone, with tranquil hearts you worshiped Me, longing for a boon from Me.
Vasudeva and Devakī did not obtain the Supreme Personality of Godhead as their son very easily, nor does the Supreme Godhead accept merely anyone as His father and mother. Here we can see how Vasudeva and Devakī obtained Kṛṣṇa as their eternal son. In our own lives, we are meant to follow the principles indicated herewith for getting good children. Of course, it is not possible for everyone to get Kṛṣṇa as his son, but at least one can get very good sons and daughters for the benefit of human society. In Bhagavad-gītā it is said that if human beings do not follow the spiritual way of life, there will be an increase of varṇa-saṅkara population, population begotten like cats and dogs, and the entire world will become like hell. Not practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness but simply encouraging artificial means to check the population will be futile; the population will increase, and it will consist of varṇa-saṅkara, unwanted progeny. It is better to teach people how to beget children not like hogs and dogs, but in controlled life.
FAQs
This verse describes how Vasudeva and Devakī endured severe climatic hardships and practiced breath-restraint, resulting in purification of the mind—showing tapasya as supportive preparation for divine grace.
Śukadeva explains their disciplined endurance and yogic restraint to highlight their inner purification and steadfast devotion while awaiting the Lord’s descent.
Steady self-regulation—such as moderated habits, simple living, and focused prayer/meditation—reduces mental agitation and supports devotion, echoing the verse’s emphasis on cleansing the mind.