Saving Ourself from the Blindness of Opulences

2015-09-25
Srimad Bhagavatam 10.69.09-12 - Saving Ourself from the Blindness of Opulences (download mp3)
by Nanda Dulal Prabhu at ISKCON Chowpatty
www.iskcondesiretree.com

SB 10.69.9-12

vistabdham vidruma-stambhair

 vaidurya-phalakottamaih

indranila-mayaih kudyair

 jagatya cahata-tvisa

vitanair nirmitais tvastra

 mukta-dama-vilambibhih

dantair asana-paryankair

 many-uttama-pariskrtaih

dasibhir niska-kanthibhih

 su-vasobhir alankrtam

pumbhih sa-kañcukosnisa

 su-vastra-mani-kundalaih

ratna-pradipa-nikara-dyutibhir nirasta-

 dhvantam vicitra-valabhisu sikhandino ’nga

nrtyanti yatra vihitaguru-dhupam aksair

 niryantam iksya ghana-buddhaya unnadantah

Translation:

Supporting the palace were coral pillars decoratively inlaid with vaidurya gems. Sapphires bedecked the walls, and the floors glowed with perpetual brilliance. In that palace Tvasta had arranged canopies with hanging strands of pearls; there were also seats and beds fashioned of ivory and precious jewels. In attendance were many well-dressed maidservants bearing lockets on their necks, and also armor-clad guards with turbans, fine uniforms and jeweled earrings. The glow of numerous jewel-studded lamps dispelled all darkness in the palace. My dear King, on the ornate ridges of the roof danced loudly crying peacocks, who saw the fragrant aguru incense escaping through the holes of the latticed windows and mistook it for a cloud.

Purport:

Srila Prabhupada writes: “There was so much incense and fragrant gum burning that the scented fumes were coming out of the windows. The peacocks sitting on the steps became illusioned by the fumes, mistaking them for clouds, and began dancing jubilantly. There were many maidservants, all of whom were decorated with gold necklaces, bangles and beautiful saris. There were also many male servants, who were nicely decorated in cloaks and turbans and jeweled earrings. Beautiful as they were, the servants were all engaged in different household duties.”