Shloka 36
Vasudeva and Devakī Glorify Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma; The Recovery of Devakī’s Six Sons from Sutala
तयो: समानीय वरासनं मुदा निविष्टयोस्तत्र महात्मनोस्तयो: । दधार पादाववनिज्य तज्जलं सवृन्द आब्रह्म पुनद् यदम्बु ह ॥ ३६ ॥
tayoḥ samānīya varāsanaṁ mudā niviṣṭayos tatra mahātmanos tayoḥ dadhāra pādāv avanijya taj jalaṁ sa-vṛnda ā-brahma punad yad ambu ha
Bali gladly brought Them exalted seats. After the two great Lords sat, he washed Their feet and then took that water—purifying the whole world up to Lord Brahmā—and poured it upon himself and his followers.
FAQs
In this verse, Kṛṣṇa Himself washes the feet of exalted sages and honors the foot-wash water, teaching that serving and revering pure devotees is deeply purifying and a direct expression of bhakti.
Because they are “mahātmās,” great saintly persons; Kṛṣṇa models proper etiquette and devotion by welcoming them, offering them honor, and demonstrating that devotees of God are worthy of the highest respect.
Cultivate humility and reverence toward spiritually advanced people—serve them, hear from them sincerely, and honor their guidance—understanding that genuine association with saints purifies the heart.