Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 24
Bhakti as the Supreme Process; Detachment and the Rudiments of Meditation
वाग् गद्गदा द्रवते यस्य चित्तं रुदत्यभीक्ष्णं हसति क्वचिच्च । विलज्ज उद्गायति नृत्यते च मद्भक्तियुक्तो भुवनं पुनाति ॥ २४ ॥
vāg gadgadā dravate yasya cittaṁ rudaty abhīkṣṇaṁ hasati kvacic ca vilajja udgāyati nṛtyate ca mad-bhakti-yukto bhuvanaṁ punāti
Seorang bhakta yang tutur katanya tersekat oleh haru, hatinya luluh, sering menangis dan kadang-kadang ketawa, lalu dengan malu menyanyi lantang dan menari—bhakta yang terikat dalam bhakti kepada-Ku demikian menyucikan seluruh alam semesta.
Vāg gadgadā refers to a highly emotional state in which the throat is choked up and one cannot express oneself. Vilajjaḥ indicates that a devotee sometimes feels embarrassment due to bodily functions and memories of past sinful activities. In this condition, a devotee loudly cries out the holy name of Kṛṣṇa and sometimes dances in ecstasy. As stated here, such a devotee purifies the three worlds.
FAQs
This verse describes visible signs of deep devotion: a choked voice, a melting heart, repeated tears, occasional laughter, and spontaneous singing and dancing without concern for social embarrassment—such bhakti is said to purify the world.
Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on the nature of pure devotion and how genuine love for God transforms the devotee’s inner state and outward behavior, emphasizing bhakti’s power to uplift and sanctify others.
Cultivate sincere devotion through chanting, prayer, and remembrance of Kṛṣṇa; let humility replace fear of judgment, and express devotion naturally—while staying grounded, compassionate, and respectful in daily conduct.