304. Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead

Siva is the greatest of all great souls, mahdtmds, he keeps on his head the
purifying water of the Ganges, which emanates from a hole in this material
universe made by the toe of Lord Visnu. Lord Siva is in charge of the
material quality of ignorance, and in order to keep himself in a transcen-
dental position, he always meditates on Lord Visnu. Therefore Rukmini
knew very well that obtaining the favor of Krsna was not an easy job. If
even Lord Siva must purify himself for this purpose, surely it would be
difficult for Rukmini, who was only the daughter of a ksatriya king. Thus
she desired to dedicate her life to observing severe austerities and penances,
such as fasting and going without bodily comforts. If it were not possible
in this lifetime to gain Krsna’s favor by these activities, she was prepared
to do the same lifetime after lifetime. In the Bhagavad-gita it is said that
pure devotees of the Lord execute devotional service with great determina-
tion. Such determination, as exhibited by Rukminidevi, is the only price
for purchasing Krsna’s favor and is the way to ultimate success in Krsna
conscieusness.

After explaining Rukminidevi’s statement to Krsna, the brahmana said:
“My dear Krsna, chief of the Yadu dynasty, I have brought this confiden-
tial message for You from Rukmini; now it is placed before You for
Your consideration. After due deliberation You can act as You please, but
if You want to do something, You must do it immediately. There is not
much time left for action.”

Thus ends the Bhaktivedanta purport of the Fifty-first Chapter of
Krsna, “Krsna, the Ranchor.”
