JAPA TIME — King Citraketu receives the darśana of Lord Anantadeva

Pramāṇa (Śāstra reference)

ŚB 6.16.27 states that for one week Citraketu carefully and attentively chanted the mantra received from Nārada Muni. Through that chanting the king’s mind became enlightened, and he attained shelter at the lotus feet of Anantadeva (6.16.29). Verse 6.16.30 precisely describes the Lord who appeared: His complexion was white like lotus fibers; He wore blue garments, a brilliant crown, armlets, a belt and bangles; His face smiled, His eyes were reddish, and exalted liberated devotees headed by Sanat-kumāra surrounded Him. Upon seeing the Lord, Citraketu became purified, fell silent, wept in love, and bowed before Him (6.16.31). The king’s tears moistened the resting place of the Lord’s lotus feet, while his voice remained unable to form a prayer for a considerable time (6.16.32). Citraketu then composed his mind and began glorifying the Lord (6.16.33). In the illustration, the white serpent canopy identifies Lord Śeṣa; the lotus throne, mace, celestial palace, and the number and appearance of the sages are artistic reconstruction and are not attributed to the verses themselves.

Saṅkṣepa (short meaning)

Having received a mantra from Nārada Muni, King Citraketu chants it with attention and restraint. Within a few days his heart becomes enlightened, and Lord Anantadeva appears before him — white-complexioned, dressed in blue silk, adorned with brilliant ornaments, and surrounded by liberated sages. Citraketu falls at His feet. Tears of love leave the king unable to speak, but he then composes his mind and begins offering prayers to the Lord.

Śāstra-pramāṇa (key events from the text)

A mantra received from the spiritual master

For one week Citraketu carefully and attentively chants the mantra given to him by Nārada Muni (6.16.27).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.16.27)

Shelter at Anantadeva’s feet

By the influence of chanting, the king’s mind becomes enlightened and he attains shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Anantadeva (6.16.29).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.16.29)

The white Lord in blue silk

Citraketu beholds Lord Śeṣa, white like lotus fibers, dressed in blue, brilliantly crowned and ornamented, amid liberated devotees (6.16.30).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.16.30)

Darśana purifies the heart

Upon seeing the Supreme Lord, Citraketu is cleansed of material contamination, falls silent, weeps in love, and bows before Him (6.16.31).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.16.31)

Love beyond words

Citraketu’s tears moisten the resting place of the Lord’s lotus feet, while ecstasy chokes his voice so that he cannot pray for a considerable time (6.16.32).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.16.32)

Prayer from a composed heart

Controlling his mind with intelligence, Citraketu finds words and begins glorifying the Lord, the personification of scripture and spiritual master of all (6.16.33).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.16.33)

Tattva (essential teachings) — with śāstra

Attentive chanting follows the guru’s instruction

Citraketu does not invent his own path; with faith he chants the mantra received from Nārada Muni (6.16.27).

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.16.27

The Lord’s form is personal and spiritual

Scripture describes Anantadeva’s complexion, garments, ornaments, smile and eyes, revealing His eternal personal beauty (6.16.30).

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.16.30

The Lord’s darśana purifies consciousness

By directly seeing the Lord, Citraketu’s material contamination vanishes and the king becomes established in pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness (6.16.31).

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.16.31

Bhakti can surpass speech

Pure love first appears not as eloquence but as tears, silence, and complete surrender at the Lord’s lotus feet (6.16.32).

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.16.32

Intelligence can express devotion

When the first wave of ecstasy subsides, Citraketu composes his mind and uses the gift of speech to glorify the Lord (6.16.33).

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.16.33

Sevā today (practice for this day)

1. Begin japa in a learner’s mood

Before the first round, remember that the Holy Name comes through guru and Vaiṣṇavas, and pray for the ability to hear every syllable attentively.

2. Do not demand an immediate result

Like Citraketu, continue chanting patiently. Today measure japa not by experiences but by honest attention and returning to the sound.

3. Read the exact source

Read ŚB 6.16.27–33, especially verses 30–32: the description of the Lord, purification of the heart, and tears of pure love.

As soon as Mahārāja Citraketu saw the Supreme Lord, he was cleansed of all material contamination... because of love for the Lord, tears fell from his eyes.

— Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.16.31

How to use this darśanam page

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