Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 43
The Fall of Purañjana and the Supersoul as the Eternal Friend
Purañjana-Upākhyāna Culmination
पतिं परमधर्मज्ञं वैदर्भी मलयध्वजम् । प्रेम्णा पर्यचरद्धित्वा भोगान् सा पतिदेवता ॥ ४३ ॥
patiṁ parama-dharma-jñaṁ vaidarbhī malayadhvajam premṇā paryacarad dhitvā bhogān sā pati-devatā
毗达婆王之女将通达至上法义的摩罗耶陀婆阇视为一切、视为至上者。她舍弃诸般享乐，以爱敬之心侍奉夫君，作为“夫主为神”的贞妇，遵循其所行之道。
Figuratively, King Malayadhvaja is the spiritual master, and his wife, Vaidarbhī, is the disciple. The disciple accepts the spiritual master as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As stated by Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura in Gurv-aṣṭaka, sākṣād-dharitvena: “One directly accepts the guru, the spiritual master, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” One should accept the spiritual master not in the sense that the Māyāvādī philosophers do, but in the way recommended here. Since the spiritual master is the most confidential servant of the Lord, he should be treated exactly like the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The spiritual master should never be neglected or disobeyed, like an ordinary person.
FAQs
This verse praises Vaidarbhī for lovingly serving her dharma-knowing husband Malayadhvaja, showing that selfless service and fidelity can be an expression of dharma and devotion when rooted in love and renunciation of selfish enjoyment.
Malayadhvaja is the righteous king mentioned in the narrative/allegory surrounding Purañjana’s next life; he is described here as “parama-dharma-jña,” supremely knowledgeable in dharma, and is served devotedly by Vaidarbhī.
Practice loving, respectful service within relationships by prioritizing duty, character, and selflessness over ego-driven enjoyment—turning daily responsibilities into seva performed with affection and integrity.