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-kaƱcukosnisa
 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.”