Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 4
Purūravā’s Song of Renunciation and the Glory of Sādhu-saṅga
ऐल: सम्राडिमां गाथामगायत बृहच्छ्रवा: । उर्वशीविरहान् मुह्यन् निर्विण्ण: शोकसंयमे ॥ ४ ॥
ailaḥ samrāḍ imāṁ gāthām agāyata bṛhac-chravāḥ urvaśī-virahān muhyan nirviṇṇaḥ śoka-saṁyame
Syair berikut dinyanyikan oleh maharaja termasyhur Aila (Purūravā). Saat berpisah dari istrinya, Urvaśī, ia mula-mula kebingungan; namun dengan menahan ratapannya, ia mulai merasakan pelepasan (vairāgya).
This story is also narrated in the Ninth Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Aila, or Purūravā, was a great king whose glories were vast. On being separated from Urvaśī, he felt great bewilderment at first. But after meeting her briefly at Kurukṣetra, he worshiped the demigods with the sacrificial fire given him by the Gandharvas and received the privilege of entering the planet where she resided.
FAQs
This verse shows that intense separation can awaken dispassion (vairāgya), and that one should restrain lamentation rather than be ruled by it.
Śukadeva uses Purūravā’s experience with Urvaśī as a moral illustration: attachment and desire lead to suffering, which can mature into renunciation and clearer understanding.
When loss or separation arises, observe the mind, reduce impulsive reactions, and redirect attention toward lasting spiritual purpose—using the pain as a doorway to detachment and wiser choices.