Text 19] Yamaraja Instructs His Messengers 163
even the great rsis who occupy the topmost planets cannot ascer-
tain the real religious principles, nor can the demigods or the
leaders of Siddhaloka, to say nothing of the asuras, ordinary
human beings, Vidyadharas and Caranas.

PURPORT

When challenged by the Visnuditas to describe the principles of
religion, the Yamadiitas said, veda-pranihito dharmah: the religious
principles are the principles enacted in the Vedic literature. They did not
know, however, that the Vedic literature contains ritualistic ceremonies
that are not transcendental, but are meant to keep peace and order
among materialistic persons in the material world. Real religious prin-
ciples are nistraigunya, above the three modes of material nature, or
transcendental. The Yamaditas did not know these transcendental
religious principles, and therefore when prevented from arresting
Ajamila they were surprised. Materialistic persons who attach all their
faith to the Vedic rituals are described in Bhagavad-gita (2.42), wherein
Krsna says, veda-vida-ratah pdrtha ndnyad astiti vadinah: the sup-
posed followers of the Vedas say that there is nothing beyond the Vedic
ceremonies. Indeed, there is a group of men in India who are very fond
of the Vedic rituals, not understanding the meaning of these rituals,
which are intended to elevate one gradually to the transcendental plat-
form of knowing Krsna (vedais ca sarvair aham eva vedyah). Those who
do not know this principle but who simply attach their faith to the Vedic
rituals are called veda-vdda-ratah.

Herein it is stated that the real religious principle is that which is
given by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That principle is stated in
Bhagavad-gita. Sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja:
one should give up all other duties and surrender unto the lotus feet of
Krsna. That is the real religious principle everyone should follow. Even
though one follows Vedic scriptures, one may not know this transcenden-
tal principle, for it is not known to everyone. To say nothing of human
beings, even the demigods in the upper planetary systems are unaware of
it. This transcendental religious principle must be understood from the
Supreme Personality of Godhead directly or from His special representa-
tive, as stated in the next verses.
