Shloka 42
Arjuna Marries Subhadrā; Kṛṣṇa Honors Two Devotees in Mithilā (Śrutadeva and Bahulāśva)
स तर्कयामास कुतो ममान्वभूत् गृहान्धकूपे पतितस्य सङ्गम: । य: सर्वतीर्थास्पदपादरेणुभि: कृष्णेन चास्यात्मनिकेतभूसुरै: ॥ ४२ ॥
sa tarkayām āsa kuto mamānv abhūt gṛhāndha-kūpe patitasya saṅgamaḥ yaḥ sarva-tīrthāspada-pāda-reṇubhiḥ kṛṣṇena cāsyātma-niketa-bhūsuraiḥ
He wondered: “How can I, fallen into the blind well of household life, have met Lord Kṛṣṇa? And how have I been granted the company of these great brāhmaṇas, who ever carry the Lord within their hearts—whose foot-dust is the refuge of all holy places?”
FAQs
It describes becoming trapped in material attachment and narrow self-interest; the verse contrasts this with liberation through association with Kṛṣṇa and saintly brāhmaṇas.
Nanda feels unqualified due to household entanglement, yet he has received the rare mercy of Kṛṣṇa and His dear devotees, showing that grace—not status—brings divine association.
Cultivate humility, seek sādhus and genuine spiritual guidance, and center life around devotion to Kṛṣṇa—so family responsibilities become purified rather than binding.