In this part:
Perfect Family Life (chapters 3.23 and 3.24)
Lessons about family life in Krsna Consciousness (3.23)
Begetting a ray of Vishnu
Creating the necessary facilities
The mystic powers of Kardama Muni
Traveling through the universe
Details about the structure of the Vedic Universe
Dividing into nine forms
Kardama Muni prepares to take Sannyasa
The birth of Kapila Muni
Kardama Muni is blessed by the Lord
Perfect Family Life (chapters 3.23 and 3.24)
Before narrating the explanation given by Lord Kapila in the Sankhya philosophy, Maitreya described the family life of Kardama Muni and Devahuti in chapters 3.23 and 3.24. One may question why Srimad Bhagavatam describes their family life, instead of focusing on the teachings of Lord Kapila, but the obvious answer is that Bhagavatam describes it because that’s not less important. The family life of Kardama Muni is not only pure, conducted with the purpose of bringing a ray of Vishnu, an incarnation of the Lord who could benefit the entire universe, but is also a great example for us, illustrating values that are essential for a spiritually conducive family life. It is not possible for us to imitate the austerities of Kardama Muni and Devahuti, nor is it recommended, but we can learn from their example.
Lessons about family life in Krsna Consciousness (3.23)
Pārvatī and Lord Shiva are the most exalted examples of husband and wife in our universe. Lord Shiva is the perfect Vaishnava, and Pārvatī is the most dedicated wife. Lord Shiva lives under a tree and is completely renounced, while Pārvatī is a princess, the daughter of the king of the Himalayas. She could have selected anyone as her husband. but she chose Lord Shiva, not because he is a rich man, but because of his spiritual position. Similarly, although a princess, Devahuti chose Kardama Muni as her husband, even though he was a renounced sage, due to his spiritual advancement. She valued his sanctity and spiritual realization much more than power or money. Therefore, after the marriage, she was happy to serve him while he was practicing his austerities, as described in the first verses of chapter 3.23:
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