Shloka 37

Kāliya-damana: Kṛṣṇa Subdues the Serpent and Purifies the Yamunā

Devanagari script

न नाकपृष्ठं न च सार्वभौमं न पारमेष्ठ्यं न रसाधिपत्यम् । न योगसिद्धीरपुनर्भवं वा वाञ्छन्ति यत्पादरज:प्रपन्ना: ॥ ३७ ॥

Transliteration

na nāka-pṛṣṭhaṁ na ca sārva-bhaumaṁ na pārameṣṭhyaṁ na rasādhipatyam na yoga-siddhīr apunar-bhavaṁ vā vāñchanti yat-pāda-rajaḥ-prapannāḥ

Translation

Mereka yang berlindung pada debu kaki teratai-Mu tidak menginginkan kerajaan syurga, kedaulatan sejagat, kedudukan Brahmā, atau pemerintahan atas bumi. Bahkan kesempurnaan yoga dan moksha yang bebas kelahiran semula pun tidak mereka dambakan.

Synonyms

nanot

nāka-pṛṣṭhamthe heavenly world (heaven’s surface)

nanot

caand

sārva-bhaumamuniversal sovereignty (over the earth)

nanot

pārameṣṭhyamthe post/realm of Brahmā (Parameṣṭhin)

nanot

rasādhipatyamlordship over Rasātala (nether regions)

nanot

yoga-siddhīḥmystic perfections

apunar-bhavamfreedom from rebirth

vāor

vāñchantithey desire

yat-pāda-rajaḥ-prapannāḥthose who have taken refuge in the dust of whose feet

Characters & Entities

Śrī Kṛṣṇa

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about devotees not wanting moksha?

This verse states that those surrendered to the dust of the Lord’s lotus feet do not even desire apunarbhava (freedom from rebirth), because their fulfillment is loving shelter and service to Him, not any separate reward.

Why does Shukadeva Goswami emphasize that devotees reject heaven and siddhis?

In narrating Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes, Śukadeva highlights the Bhagavata’s core conclusion: bhakti is independent and superior to material elevation (svarga, kingship) and even spiritual attainment sought as a goal (siddhis, moksha).

How can I apply this teaching in modern life?

Prioritize devotion over outcomes: practice sincere prayer, chanting, and ethical living without bargaining for status, powers, or even “spiritual achievements,” and instead cultivate steady dependence on Kṛṣṇa’s shelter.