Shloka 13
Kṛṣṇa’s Impending Departure; Uddhava’s Surrender; King Yadu and the Avadhūta’s Twenty-Four Gurus
Beginnings
श्रीशुक उवाच इत्यादिष्टो भगवता महाभागवतो नृप । उद्धव: प्रणिपत्याह तत्त्वंजिज्ञासुरच्युतम् ॥ १३ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca ity ādiṣṭo bhagavatā mahā-bhāgavato nṛpa uddhavaḥ praṇipatyāha tattvaṁ jijñāsur acyutam
Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī berkata: Wahai Raja, Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa demikian menasihati Uddhava, bhakta-Nya yang suci dan ingin mengetahui tattva. Uddhava pun bersujud kepada Acyuta lalu berkata seperti berikut.
Uddhava is described here as tattvaṁ jijñāsuḥ, or desiring to know the truth. It is clear from previous verses that Śrī Uddhava is a pure devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa and that he considers devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa to be the perfection of life. Thus the words tattvaṁ jijñāsuḥ indicate that since Lord Kṛṣṇa is about to leave the earth, Uddhava is most anxious to deepen his understanding of the Lord so that he may further advance in loving service at the Lord’s lotus feet. Unlike an ordinary philosopher or scholar, a pure devotee is not eager to acquire knowledge for personal gratification.
FAQs
This verse shows that sincere inquiry into tattva begins with humility—Uddhava first offers obeisance and then asks Acyuta to understand the truth.
Because Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Lord and Uddhava is a devoted disciple; his bow expresses surrender and readiness to receive instruction as he seeks true understanding.
Approach genuine teachers and sacred texts with respect, ask clear questions to understand life’s purpose, and let humility guide learning rather than ego.