Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, 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
阎摩罗阇的使者说：你们的眼如莲瓣；身着黄色丝衣，佩戴莲花花鬘，头戴华美宝冠，耳垂璀璨耳环，皆显青春新鲜。你们四臂庄严，持弓与箭囊、剑、杵、螺、轮与莲花。你们的光辉照彻四方，驱散此处黑暗。诸位尊者，为何阻拦我们这些奉事护法阎摩罗阇的差役？
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.