Text 3]
The Characteristics of Rṣabhadeva
141
TRANSLATION
Indra, the King of heaven, who is very materially opulent, became envious of King Rṣabhadeva. Consequently he stopped pouring water on the planet known as Bhārata-varṣa. At that time the Supreme Lord, Rṣabhadeva, the master of all mystic power, understood King Indra's purpose and smiled a little. Then, by His own prowess, through yogamāyā [His internal potency], He profusely poured water upon His own place, which was known as Ajanābha.
PURPORT
We find the word  bhagavān  used twice in this verse. Both King Indra and Rṣabhadeva, the incarnation of the Supreme Lord, are described as  bhagavān . Sometimes Nārada and Lord Brahmā are also addressed as  bhagavān . The word  bhagavān  means that one is a very opulent and powerful person like Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva, Nārada or Indra. They are all addressed as  bhagavān  due to their extraordinary opulence. King Rṣabhadeva is an incarnation of the Supreme Lord, and therefore He was the original Bhagavān. Consequently He is described herein as  yogeśvara , which indicates that He has the most powerful spiritual potency. He is not dependent on King Indra for water. He can supply water Himself, and He did so in this case. In  Bhagavad-gītā , it is stated:  yajñād bhavati parjanyaḥ . Due to the performance of  yajña , clouds of water are manifest in the sky. Clouds and rainfall are under the management of Indra, the heavenly King, but when Indra is neglectful, the Supreme Lord Himself, who is also known as  yajña  or  yajña-pati , takes the task upon Himself. Consequently there was sufficient rainfall in the place named Ajanābha. When  yajña-pati  wants to, He can do anything without the help of any subordinate. Therefore the Supreme Lord is known as almighty. In the present age of Kali there will eventually be a great scarcity of water ( anāvṛṣti ), for the general populace, due to ignorance and the scarcity of  yajñic  ingredients, will neglect to perform  yajñas .  Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam  therefore advises:  yajñaiḥ saṅkīrtana-prāyaiḥ yajanti hi sumedhasaḥ . After all,  yajña  is meant to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In this age of Kali, there is great scarcity and ignorance: nonetheless, everyone can perform  saṅkīrtana-yajña . Every family in every society can conduct  saṅkīrtana-yajña  at least every evening. In this way there will be no disturbance or scarcity.