Shloka 36
Prāyaścitta, the ‘Elephant Bath’ Problem, and the Opening of Ajāmila-Upākhyāna
सर्वे पद्मपलाशाक्षा: पीतकौशेयवासस: । किरीटिन: कुण्डलिनो लसत्पुष्करमालिन: ॥ ३४ ॥ सर्वे च नूत्नवयस: सर्वे चारुचतुर्भुजा: । धनुर्निषङ्गासिगदाशङ्खचक्राम्बुजश्रिय: ॥ ३५ ॥ दिशो वितिमिरालोका: कुर्वन्त: स्वेन तेजसा । किमर्थं धर्मपालस्य किङ्करान्नो निषेधथ ॥ ३६ ॥
sarve padma-palāśākṣāḥ pīta-kauśeya-vāsasaḥ kirīṭinaḥ kuṇḍalino lasat-puṣkara-mālinaḥ
Para utusan Yamaraja berkata: Mata kamu bagaikan kelopak teratai. Kamu berpakaian sutera kuning, berhias kalungan bunga teratai, memakai mahkota indah dan subang; semuanya tampak muda dan segar. Empat lengan kamu dihiasi busur dan tabung anak panah, pedang, gada, sangkakala, cakra dan teratai. Cahaya kamu menghalau gelap di segala arah. Maka, wahai tuan-tuan mulia, mengapa kamu menghalang kami, para pelayan Yamaraja, pelindung dharma?
Before even being introduced to a foreigner, one becomes acquainted with him through his dress, bodily features and behavior and can thus understand his position. Therefore when the Yamadūtas saw the Viṣṇudūtas for the first time, they were surprised. They said, “By your bodily features you appear to be very exalted gentlemen, and you have such celestial power that you have dissipated the darkness of this material world with your own effulgences. Why then should you endeavor to stop us from executing our duty?” It will be explained that the Yamadūtas, the order carriers of Yamarāja, mistakenly considered Ajāmila sinful. They did not know that although he was sinful throughout his entire life, he was purified by constantly chanting the holy name of Nārāyaṇa. In other words, unless one is a Vaiṣṇava, one cannot understand the activities of a Vaiṣṇava.
FAQs
They are the divine messengers of Lord Viṣṇu, described here as lotus-eyed and brilliantly adorned, who intervene to protect Ajāmila from being taken by the Yamadūtas.
Their dress and ornaments signify their direct connection with Lord Viṣṇu and their transcendental authority, contrasting the fearful role of Yama’s messengers.
It reinforces faith that sincere contact with the Lord’s name and shelter invites higher protection that can override fear and hopelessness.