Shloka 40
Indra’s Envy at Pṛthu’s Aśvamedha and Brahmā’s Intervention
False Renunciation Exposed
कृतावभृथस्नानाय पृथवे भूरिकर्मणे । वरान्ददुस्ते वरदा ये तद्बर्हिषि तर्पिता: ॥ ४० ॥
kṛtāvabhṛtha-snānāya pṛthave bhūri-karmaṇe varān dadus te varadā ye tad-barhiṣi tarpitāḥ
ततः पृथुः भूरिकर्मा यज्ञोत्तरं कृतावभृथस्नानः। तद्बर्हिषि तर्पिताः देवाः तस्मै वरान् आशीर्वादांश्च ददुः।
Yajña means Lord Viṣṇu, for all yajña is meant to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Viṣṇu. Since the demigods automatically become very pleased with the performance of sacrifice, they bestow benediction upon the executors of yajñas. When one pours water on the root of a tree, the branches, trunk, twigs, flowers and leaves are all satisfied. Similarly, when one gives food to the stomach, all parts of the body are rejuvenated. In the same way, if one simply satisfies Lord Viṣṇu by the performance of yajña, one satisfies all the demigods automatically. In turn, the demigods offer their benedictions to such a devotee. A pure devotee therefore does not ask benedictions directly from the demigods. His only business is to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Thus he is never in need of those things supplied by the demigods.
FAQs
Avabhṛtha snāna is the concluding ceremonial bath performed after completing a Vedic sacrifice; here it marks the successful completion of King Pṛthu’s yajña.
Because the demigods were satisfied by the offerings made in the sacrificial arena, they responded by granting auspicious boons to the king.
It teaches that sincere, disciplined duty and gratitude—offering one’s work in a spirit of service—invites higher blessings and inner auspiciousness.