Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 14
Parīkṣit Confronts Kali; Dharma and Bhūmi Lament Kṛṣṇa’s Departure
तत्र तत्रोपशृण्वान: स्वपूर्वेषां महात्मनाम् । प्रगीयमाणं च यश: कृष्णमाहात्म्यसूचकम् ॥ १३ ॥ आत्मानं च परित्रातमश्वत्थाम्नोऽस्त्रतेजस: । स्नेहं च वृष्णिपार्थानां तेषां भक्तिं च केशवे ॥ १४ ॥ तेभ्य: परमसन्तुष्ट: प्रीत्युज्जृम्भितलोचन: । महाधनानि वासांसि ददौ हारान् महामना: ॥ १५ ॥
tatra tatropaśṛṇvānaḥ sva-pūrveṣāṁ mahātmanām pragīyamāṇaṁ ca yaśaḥ kṛṣṇa-māhātmya-sūcakam
Wherever the King went, he continually heard the glories of his great forefathers—devotees of the Lord—and the celebrated deeds that proclaim the majesty of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. He also heard how the Lord had protected him from the fierce heat of Aśvatthāmā’s weapon. People spoke as well of the deep affection between the Vṛṣṇis and the sons of Pṛthā, born of their devotion to Keśava. Pleased with those who sang such praises, the magnanimous King opened his eyes in full satisfaction and rewarded them with precious necklaces, fine garments, and wealth.
Kings and great personalities of the state are presented with welcome addresses. This is a system from time immemorial, and Mahārāja Parīkṣit, since he was one of the well-known emperors of the world, was also presented with addresses of welcome in all parts of the world as he visited those places. The subject matter of those welcome addresses was Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa means Kṛṣṇa and His eternal devotees, as the king means the king and his confidential associates.
FAQs
This verse highlights that hearing Kṛṣṇa’s celebrated fame—sung everywhere by saintly people—reveals His greatness and nourishes devotion.
In the narrative, Parīkṣit moves through his kingdom and encounters widespread remembrance of Kṛṣṇa and past great devotees, which frames the devotional culture of the time.
Make time to hear authentic Kṛṣṇa-kathā—through recitation, lectures, and scripture study—so the mind repeatedly returns to divine remembrance.