CHAPTER THREE

Rsabhadeva’s Appearance
in the Womb of Merudevi,
the Wife of King Nabhi

In this chapter the spotless character of King Nabhi, the oldest son of
Agnidhra, is described. Wanting to have sons, Maharaja Nabhi under-
went severe austerities and penances. He performed many sacrifices
along with his wife and worshiped Lord Visnu, master of all sacrifices.
Being very kind to His devotees, the Supreme Personality of Godhead
was very pleased with the austerities of Maharaja Nabhi. He personally
appeared before the King in His four-handed feature, and the priests,
who were performing the sacrifices, began to offer their prayers unto
Him. They prayed for a son like the Lord, and Lord Visnu agreed to take
birth in the womb of Merudevi, the wife of King Nabhi, and incarnate as
King Rsabhadeva.

TEXT 1
wy TTF
AMATI FCM anid Tossa
neu
$ri-Suka uvdca

nabhir apatya-kamo ’prajayé merudevya bhagavantam
yajna-purusam avahitatmayayata.

Sri-Sukah uvaéca—Sukadeva Gosvami said: nabhih—the son of
Maharaja Agnidhra: apatya-kémah—desiring to have sons: aprajayé—
who had not given birth to any children: merudevyd—with Merudevi:
bhagavantam—the Supreme Personality of Godhead: yajria-purusam—
Lord Visnu, the master and enjoyer of all performances of sacrifice:

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