Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 25
Vṛtrāsura Rebukes Indra; Heroic Combat and the Asura’s Pure Devotional Prayers
न नाकपृष्ठं न च पारमेष्ठ्यं न सार्वभौमं न रसाधिपत्यम् । न योगसिद्धीरपुनर्भवं वा समञ्जस त्वा विरहय्य काङ्क्षे ॥ २५ ॥
na nāka-pṛṣṭhaṁ na ca pārameṣṭhyaṁ na sārva-bhaumaṁ na rasādhipatyam na yoga-siddhīr apunar-bhavaṁ vā samañjasa tvā virahayya kāṅkṣe
噢主啊，我不求住于持久之界、诸天或梵天之界；也不求统御大地与下界的至高王权。我不求瑜伽神通，亦不求解脱——若必须舍离你莲花般的圣足。
A pure devotee never desires to gain material opportunities by rendering transcendental loving service to the Lord. A pure devotee desires only to engage in loving service to the Lord in the constant association of the Lord and His eternal associates, as stated in the previous verse ( dāsānudāso bhavitāsmi ). As confirmed by Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura:
FAQs
This verse shows that a pure devotee rejects heaven, high posts, mystic powers, and even liberation, desiring only the Lord’s presence and service.
While facing Indra in battle, Vṛtrāsura revealed his inner identity as a surrendered devotee, emphasizing that separation from Viṣṇu is worse than any suffering, and that love of God is higher than all rewards.
Prioritize remembrance and devotion to God over status, power, or spiritual “achievements,” and measure progress by sincerity and attachment to the Lord rather than external gains.