Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 42
Nimi Questions the Yogendras: Varṇāśrama’s Purpose, Ritualism’s Fall, and Yuga-Avatāras with Kali-yuga Saṅkīrtana
स्वपादमूलं भजत: प्रियस्य त्यक्तान्यभावस्य हरि: परेश: । विकर्म यच्चोत्पतितं कथञ्चिद् धुनोति सर्वं हृदि सन्निविष्ट: ॥ ४२ ॥
sva-pāda-mūlam bhajataḥ priyasya tyaktānya-bhāvasya hariḥ pareśaḥ vikarma yac cotpatitaṁ kathañcid dhunoti sarvaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭaḥ
他の一切の務めを捨て、至上主ハリの蓮華の御足の根元を礼拝する者は、主にとってきわめて愛しい。たとえその降伏した魂が不注意から罪を犯しても、万人の心に坐す至上人格神は直ちにその罪の反応を取り去られる。
In the previous verse it was clearly described that a fully surrendered devotee of the Supreme Lord has no need to perform ordinary, worldly duties. Now in this verse it is revealed that devotional service is so pure and potent that a surrendered devotee of the Lord has no need to perform any other purificatory process. As described in the Sixth Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, a surrendered devotee has no need to perform prāyaścitta, or atonement for an accidental falldown into sinful activity. Since devotional service is itself the most purifying process, a sincere devotee who has accidentally stumbled on the path should immediately resume his pure devotional service at the lotus feet of the Lord. And thus the Lord will protect him, as stated in Bhagavad-gītā (9.30) :
FAQs
In 11.5.42, Kavi Yogendra explains that when a person lovingly serves the Lord’s lotus feet with exclusive devotion, the Supreme Lord enters the heart and cleanses all sinful reactions—even those that may have arisen accidentally.
During King Nimi’s dialogue with the Nine Yogendras (11.5), Kavi Yogendra teaches the power of pure bhakti—emphasizing that wholehearted surrender to Hari is the most effective purifier and protector for the devotee.
Practice steady devotion—regular hearing/chanting of the Lord’s names, prayer, and serving with sincerity—while avoiding wrongdoing; and if faults occur, return to sincere bhakti, trusting that the Lord purifies the heart of the repentant devotee.