JAPA TIME — The brāhmaṇas’ wives bring offerings to Kṛṣṇa

Pramāṇa (Śāstra reference)

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.23 tells how hungry cowherd boys, sent by Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, respectfully asked brāhmaṇas performing an Āṅgirasa sacrifice for food. Absorbed in ritual and material aims, the brāhmaṇas did not answer them (10.23.9–12). Kṛṣṇa then sent the boys to the brāhmaṇas’ wives, whose minds were fixed on Him. As soon as the women heard that Kṛṣṇa was nearby, they became eager. Verse 19 says they took large vessels filled with four varieties of fine, aromatic food and hurried to meet Him. In a garden of budding aśoka trees beside the Yamunā, they saw Kṛṣṇa with Balarāma and the cowherd boys (10.23.20–22). Kṛṣṇa welcomed them, accepted their devotion and later fed His companions from the food they had brought (10.23.24–36). Seeing their wives’ pure devotion, the brāhmaṇas repented of their neglect (10.23.38–39).

Saṅkṣepa (short meaning)

The contrast is not between learning and devotion, but between knowledge closed around pride and knowledge fulfilled in loving service. The brāhmaṇas possessed ritual qualification yet missed the Lord’s request; their wives had heard about Kṛṣṇa, remembered Him and responded immediately. Their vessels carried food, while their eagerness revealed the offering of their hearts.

Śāstra-pramāṇa (key points from the text)

The cowherd boys ask respectfully

At Kṛṣṇa’s order they request food from the brāhmaṇas performing sacrifice.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.23.9–39)

The brāhmaṇas give no answer

Preoccupied with ritual aims, they fail to recognize the Lord behind the request.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.23.9–39)

Kṛṣṇa sends the boys to the wives

He knows the women’s affection and assures the boys that they will give food.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.23.9–39)

The women hurry with vessels

They carry four varieties of fragrant food and overcome attempts to stop them.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.23.9–39)

They behold Kṛṣṇa by the Yamunā

In the aśoka garden they see Him with Balarāma and His cowherd friends.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.23.9–39)

The brāhmaṇas repent

Witnessing their wives’ devotion, they recognize their own failure and honor Kṛṣṇa.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.23.9–39)

Tattva (essential teaching) — with śāstra

Bhakti gives knowledge its purpose

Sacred learning becomes complete when it leads to recognition and service of the Lord.

Hearing awakens remembrance

The women’s eagerness grew from repeatedly hearing Kṛṣṇa’s qualities.

Kṛṣṇa accepts loving intention

The Lord, already self-satisfied, creates an opportunity for His devotees to serve.

A sincere response can awaken others

The women’s devotion became the cause of their husbands’ repentance.

Sevā today (practice for this day)

1. Hear before beginning

Read or hear one account of Kṛṣṇa before today’s japa.

2. Offer something with attention

Prepare one simple vegetarian offering for Kṛṣṇa with cleanliness and remembrance.

3. Answer a request for service

Notice one genuine opportunity to help and respond without delay or pride.

The heart that has truly heard about Kṛṣṇa recognizes the opportunity to serve Him.

— Reflection on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.23.9–39

How to use this darśanam page

View the image, read the narration and śāstra-pramāṇa, contemplate the tattva, and complete the practice through seva. Follow the sequence: darśana → śravaṇa → manana → seva.