Shloka 32
The Slaying of Śālva and the Destruction of Saubha
यत्पादसेवोर्जितयात्मविद्यया हिन्वन्त्यनाद्यात्मविपर्ययग्रहम् । लभन्त आत्मीयमनन्तमैश्वरं कुतो नु मोह: परमस्य सद्गते: ॥ ३२ ॥
yat-pāda-sevorjitayātma-vidyayā hinvanty anādyātma-viparyaya-graham labhanta ātmīyam anantam aiśvaraṁ kuto nu mohaḥ paramasya sad-gateḥ
By serving His lotus feet, strengthened by self-realization, the Lord’s devotees dispel the bodily misconception that has bewildered the soul since time without beginning. Thus they attain eternal glory in His personal association. How, then, could that Supreme Truth—the goal of all true saints—be subject to illusion?
As a result of fasting the body becomes weak, and one thinks, “I am emaciated.” Similarly, sometimes a conditioned soul thinks, “I am happy” or “I am unhappy” — ideas based on the bodily concept of life. Simply by serving the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa, however, devotees become free from this bodily concept of life. So how could such illusion possibly affect the Supreme Personality of Godhead at any time?
FAQs
This verse says delusion is dispelled by serving the Lord’s lotus feet, especially when that devotion is strengthened by ātma-vidyā (true self-knowledge), which removes the deep-rooted false identification with the body and mind.
While narrating Kṛṣṇa’s acts, Śukadeva highlights their inner purpose: devotion to Kṛṣṇa is not merely emotional—it is the direct means to destroy beginningless ignorance and reach the supreme goal.
Anchor daily life in devotional practice (hearing, chanting, remembering) and reflect on the self as distinct from temporary roles; this combination steadily weakens anxiety-producing misidentification and builds clarity, purpose, and steadiness.