Shloka 34
Ajāmila Delivered: Viṣṇudūtas Establish the Supremacy of the Holy Name
क्व चाहं कितव: पापो ब्रह्मघ्नो निरपत्रप: । क्व च नारायणेत्येतद्भगवन्नाम मङ्गलम् ॥ ३४ ॥
kva cāhaṁ kitavaḥ pāpo brahma-ghno nirapatrapaḥ kva ca nārāyaṇety etad bhagavan-nāma maṅgalam
क्व चाहं कितवः पापो ब्रह्मघ्नो निरपत्रपः; क्व च ‘नारायण’ इति भगवन्नाम मङ्गलं सर्वमङ्गलम्।
Those engaged in broadcasting the holy name of Nārāyaṇa, Kṛṣṇa, through the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement should always consider what our position was before we came and what it is now. We had fallen into abominable lives as meat-eaters, drunkards and woman hunters who performed all kinds of sinful activities, but now we have been given the opportunity to chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. Therefore we should always appreciate this opportunity. By the grace of the Lord we are opening many branches, and we should use this good fortune to chant the holy name of the Lord and serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead directly. We must be conscious of the difference between our present and past conditions and should always be very careful not to fall from the most exalted life.
FAQs
This verse highlights Ajāmila’s astonishment that the Lord’s auspicious name ‘Nārāyaṇa’ can be present even on the lips of a grievous sinner—implying the holy name’s extraordinary purifying power.
After being rescued from the Yamadūtas by the Viṣṇudūtas, Ajāmila reflects with remorse and humility, contrasting his sinful life with the sanctity of the Lord’s name.
It teaches humility and hope: even if one feels unworthy due to past mistakes, sincerely taking shelter of the Lord’s holy name and reforming one’s life can begin spiritual renewal.