JAPA TIME — Kardama Muni receives the darśana of Lord Viṣṇu

Pramāṇa (Śāstra reference)

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.21.6–7 states that, obeying Lord Brahmā’s order, Kardama Muni performed austerities for ten thousand years on the bank of the Sarasvatī and worshiped the Supreme Lord through devotional service in trance. Pleased with him, the lotus-eyed Lord personally revealed His eternal transcendental form (3.21.8). Verses 9–11 describe the Lord as radiant like the sun, dressed in spotless yellow silk, with dark curling hair, crown and earrings, a garland of white lotuses and water lilies, the Kaustubha gem and a golden mark upon His chest. In His four hands He held a conch, disc, mace and white lily. Smiling joyfully, He stood in the air with His lotus feet upon Garuḍa’s shoulders. Seeing the Lord face to face, Kardama’s desire was fulfilled; he fell to the ground, bowed his head and offered prayers with folded hands and a heart full of love (3.21.12–13).

Saṅkṣepa (short meaning)

Kardama’s perfection was not an impersonal void but the personal darśana of the Lord whose form is described by śāstra. His long discipline became fruitful through devotional service, and the Lord answered it with presence, compassion and instruction. Kardama’s immediate response was gratitude and surrender.

Śāstra-pramāṇa (key points from the text)

Kardama obeys Brahmā

He undertakes austerity on the Sarasvatī to fulfill the responsibility entrusted to him.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.21.6–13)

He worships through devotional trance

For ten thousand years his yoga remains centered on the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.21.6–13)

Lord Viṣṇu appears upon Garuḍa

The smiling four-armed Lord reveals His eternal form with conch, disc, mace and white lily.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.21.6–13)

Kardama falls in obeisance

His vision fulfilled, the sage bows on the ground with folded hands and loving prayers.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.21.6–13)

The Lord answers His devotee

Viṣṇu speaks with nectarlike words and assures Kardama that his purpose will be fulfilled.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.21.6–13)

Tattva (essential teaching) — with śāstra

The perfection of yoga is personal

Kardama’s meditation culminates in seeing and serving the Supreme Person.

The Lord’s form is revealed by śāstra

The vision is not imagined; its features are precisely described in the Bhāgavatam.

Devotion gives austerity its purpose

Discipline becomes spiritually fruitful when offered for the pleasure of the Lord.

Darśana awakens surrender

Kardama answers divine mercy with obeisance, prayer and willingness to follow instruction.

Sevā today (practice for this day)

1. Begin with obedience

Complete one spiritual responsibility today without postponement or self-display.

2. Meditate on the scriptural form

Before japa, read 3.21.9–11 and remember the Lord’s four emblems and compassionate smile.

3. Offer gratitude

After chanting, bow and thank the Lord for one specific mercy in your life.

Devotional discipline becomes complete when the heart recognizes the personal mercy of the Lord.

— Reflection on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.21.6–13

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.