2010-10-05 Srimad Bhagavatam 09.04.29 - The Importance Of Ekadashi (download mp3)
by Vraj Candra Prabhu at ISKCON Chowpatty
www.iskcondesiretree.net
SB 9.4.29
ariradhayisuh krsnam
mahisya tulya-silaya
yuktah samvatsaram viro
dadhara dvadasi-vratam
ariradhayisuh krsnam
mahisya tulya-silaya
yuktah samvatsaram viro
dadhara dvadasi-vratam
Translation:
To worship Lord Krsna, Maharaja Ambarisa, along with his queen, who was equally qualified, observed the vow of Ekadasi and Dvadasi for one year.
To worship Lord Krsna, Maharaja Ambarisa, along with his queen, who was equally qualified, observed the vow of Ekadasi and Dvadasi for one year.
Purport:
To observe Ekadasi-vrata and Dvadasi-vrata means to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Those interested in advancing in Krsna consciousness must observe Ekadasi-vrata regularly. Maharaja Ambarisa's queen was equally as qualified as the King. Therefore it was possible for Maharaja Ambarisa to engage his life in household affairs. In this regard, the word tulya-silaya is very significant. Unless a wife is equally as qualified as her husband, household affairs are very difficult to continue. Canakya Pandita advises that a person in such a situation should immediately give up household life and become a vanaprastha or sannyasi:
mata yasya grhe nasti
bharya capriya-vadini
aranyam tena gantavyam
yatharanyam tatha grham
A person who has no mother at home and whose wife is not agreeable with him should immediately go away to the forest. Because human life is meant for spiritual advancement only, one's wife must be helpful in this endeavor. Otherwise there is no need of household life.
