Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, 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
圣舒迦提婆·瞿斯瓦弥说：大王啊，至上人格神主奎师那如此教诲祂纯净的奉献者乌达婆；乌达婆渴求明了真理，遂向不堕者阿周陀顶礼，并如是陈述。
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.