Krishna returns the son of Sandipani Muni — the Lord fulfills the perfect gift to His guru
This lila reveals the Lord’s perfect obedience to the principle of guru-seva. Although Krishna and Balarama are the Supreme Lord and His first expansion, They accept the role of ideal students and ask for guru-dakshina. Sandipani Muni asks for the return of his lost son, and the Lord fulfills that request. The lila teaches that service to the spiritual master is never ordinary, and that the Lord personally glorifies the position of the guru through His own example.
Pramāṇa (Śāstra reference)
Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 45 — after completing Their education, Krishna and Balarama ask Their teacher Sandipani Muni what gift he desires. At the request of Their guru, They bring back his deceased son and return him to his parents.
Saṅkṣepa (short meaning)
This lila reveals the Lord’s perfect obedience to the principle of guru-seva. Although Krishna and Balarama are the Supreme Lord and His first expansion, They accept the role of ideal students and ask for guru-dakshina. Sandipani Muni asks for the return of his lost son, and the Lord fulfills that request. The lila teaches that service to the spiritual master is never ordinary, and that the Lord personally glorifies the position of the guru through His own example.
Śāstra-pramāṇa (key points from the text)
After finishing Their studies, Krishna and Balarama respectfully ask Sandipani Muni what gift he would like from Them as guru-dakshina.
“O best of brahmanas, please command us. Whatever you desire, we shall fulfill it as our offering to you, our spiritual master.” — Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45
Sandipani Muni, after consulting with his wife, asks that his son, who had died, be brought back.
The sage said: “My beloved son was taken away by a demon while bathing in the ocean. If you wish to give me dakshina, please return him to us.” — Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45
Krishna and Balarama go in search of the boy and ultimately recover him, bringing him back from the region of death.
The Supreme Lord journeyed to the shore of death, confronted the forces of illusion, and with His transcendental potency rescued the guru’s son. — Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45
They return the son to Their guru, fully satisfying his desire and demonstrating the perfect conduct of disciples.
Krishna and Balarama presented the boy to Sandipani Muni and his wife, and the parents, overwhelmed with joy, embraced their son. Thus the Lord established the supreme ideal of guru-seva. — Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45
Tattva (essential teaching) — with śāstra
The Supreme Lord teaches by personal example: even He accepts discipline, study, and service to the guru.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45)
Guru-seva is not a formality; it is sacred and central to spiritual life.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45)
What is impossible for ordinary beings becomes possible when connected to the Lord’s will.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45)
The Lord is pleased when one honors the guru with sincerity, gratitude, and obedience.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45)
Sevā today (practice for this day)
Chant one attentive round praying, “May I serve the instructions of guru with sincerity and steadiness.”
Chant one attentive round praying, “May I serve the instructions of guru with sincerity and steadiness.”
Do one act of gratitude toward those who have taught, guided, or corrected you in spiritual life.
Do one act of gratitude toward those who have taught, guided, or corrected you in spiritual life.
Reflect on whether you treat spiritual instruction as sacred duty or merely as optional advice.
Reflect on whether you treat spiritual instruction as sacred duty or merely as optional advice.
Darsanam Archive
Browse previous darsanam pages from the archive. Search and sorting work across all archived lilas, while the grid shows 6 items per page with Older/Newer navigation.
