JAPA TIME — Krishna returns Sāndīpani Muni’s son

Pramāṇa (Śāstra reference)

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45.35–48 describes how Krishna and Balarama mastered the sixty-four arts in sixty-four days and asked Sāndīpani Muni to choose Their guru-dakṣiṇā. After consulting his wife, the teacher requested the return of their son, who had died at Prabhāsa. The brothers went first to the ocean. Krishna defeated Pañcajana but did not find the boy within him, so They proceeded to the abode of Yamarāja. At Krishna’s command Yamarāja brought forth the teacher’s son. Verse 46 states that Krishna and Balarama presented the boy to Their guru and then asked him to choose another boon. Sāndīpani Muni replied that disciples such as Them had already fulfilled every desire and blessed Them to return home.

Saṅkṣepa (short meaning)

The Supreme Lords accept the position of students and show that learning is completed through gratitude and service, not acquisition alone. They do not measure Their duty by convenience: after recovering Their teacher’s son, They still invite him to ask for another gift. Sāndīpani’s answer reveals the true wealth of a teacher — disciples whose knowledge becomes character, humility and faithful service.

Śāstra-pramāṇa (key points from the text)

The Lords live as students

Though the source of all knowledge, Krishna and Balarama serve Their guru with exemplary discipline.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45.35–48)

The teacher chooses guru-dakṣiṇā

Sāndīpani asks that his son, lost at Prabhāsa, be returned.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45.35–48)

The search reaches Yamarāja

When the boy is not found in the ocean, the brothers go to the city of the lord of death.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45.35–48)

Krishna commands the boy’s return

Yamarāja obeys the Lord and brings forth the spiritual master’s son.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45.35–48)

The son is presented alive

Krishna and Balarama return the boy to Sāndīpani Muni as guru-dakṣiṇā.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45.35–48)

Their service exceeds the request

Even after fulfilling the difficult task, the brothers ask Their guru to choose another boon.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45.35–48)

Tattva (essential teaching) — with śāstra

Knowledge ripens as service

The Lords demonstrate that genuine education awakens gratitude and responsibility toward the teacher.

Bhagavan honors the guru principle

By accepting discipline and offering guru-dakṣiṇā, Krishna teaches through His own conduct.

The Lord is master of death

Yamarāja returns the boy at Krishna’s command, acknowledging the Supreme Lord’s authority.

A worthy disciple fulfills the teacher

Sāndīpani says that with disciples such as Krishna and Balarama no desire remains.

Sevā today (practice for this day)

1. Remember what you received

During one attentive round, remember a person who gave you genuine spiritual instruction.

2. Turn gratitude into action

Do one concrete service that honors the teaching rather than offering appreciation only in words.

3. Complete one unfinished duty

Finish a responsibility to a teacher, elder or mentor that you have postponed.

Learning becomes complete when received knowledge returns as humble and faithful service.

— Reflection on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.45.35–48

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.