Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 3
Devas in Dvārakā, Brahmā’s Petition, and Uddhava’s Appeal
Prabhāsa Departure Set-Up
इन्द्रो मरुद्भिर्भगवानादित्या वसवोऽश्विनौ । ऋभवोऽङ्गिरसो रुद्रा विश्वे साध्याश्च देवता: ॥ २ ॥ गन्धर्वाप्सरसो नागा: सिद्धचारणगुह्यका: । ऋषय: पितरश्चैव सविद्याधरकिन्नरा: ॥ ३ ॥ द्वारकामुपसञ्जग्मु: सर्वे कृष्णदिदृक्षव: । वपुषा येन भगवान् नरलोकमनोरम: । यशो वितेने लोकेषु सर्वलोकमलापहम् ॥ ४ ॥
indro marudbhir bhagavān ādityā vasavo ’śvinau ṛbhavo ’ṅgiraso rudrā viśve sādhyāś ca devatāḥ
Le puissant Indra, avec les Maruts, les Ādityas, les Vasus, les Aśvinīs, les Ṛbhus, les Aṅgirās, les Rudras, les Viśvedevas et les Sādhyas; ainsi que les Gandharvas, les Apsarās, les Nāgas, les Siddhas, les Cāraṇas, les Guhyakas, les grands Ṛṣis et les ancêtres, sans oublier les Vidyādharas et les Kinnaras, arrivèrent à Dvārakā, désireux de voir le Seigneur Kṛṣṇa. Par Sa forme transcendante, Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa enchante le monde des hommes; Sa gloire se répand dans tous les mondes et dissipe toute souillure de l’univers.
The Personality of Godhead descends within the material world to assist the demigods in the cosmic management; thus the demigods can normally see such forms of the Lord as Upendra. However, here it is indicated that although accustomed to seeing various Viṣṇu expansions of the Lord, the demigods were specifically eager to see the most beautiful form of the Lord as Kṛṣṇa. Deha-dehi-vibhāgaś ca neśvare vidyate kvacit: there is no distinction between the Supreme Lord and His personal body. The jīva soul is different from his body, but the beautiful, transcendental form of the Lord is identical with the Lord in all respects.
FAQs
The verse lists major classes of devas and celestial beings—Indra with the Maruts, Ādityas, Vasus, Aśvinīs, Rudras, Viśvedevas, Sādhyas, along with Gandharvas, Apsarās, Nāgas, Siddhas, Cāraṇas, Guhyakas, sages, Pitṛs, Vidyādharas, and Kinnaras—indicating a universal assembly.
In this narrative section, they gather out of eagerness to behold Śrī Kṛṣṇa, whose presence in Dvārakā draws even the highest celestial orders, acknowledging His extraordinary glory.
Just as exalted beings prioritize darśana of the Lord, a devotee can prioritize regular remembrance, worship, and association centered on Kṛṣṇa—placing spiritual vision above ordinary prestige or distraction.