HH Danavir Goswami discusses a famous story from Hindu scriptures about the elephant Gajendra and the crocodile, drawn from the Srimad Bhagavatam (SB 8.2.31). Danavir Goswami explains how everyone in the material world struggles for survival and how, in times of distress, pious individuals take shelter in God, referencing Bhagavad Gita 7.16, which identifies four types of pious people who turn to God: those in danger, in need of money, seeking knowledge, or inquisitive.
The story of Gajendra, the king of elephants, highlights this lesson. Gajendra, who was previously a king named Indradyumna, was cursed to become an elephant, and the crocodile, previously a celestial musician (Gandharva), was cursed to be a crocodile. In their battle, the crocodile (who thrives in water) attacked Gajendra’s leg, and despite Gajendra’s superior strength on land, the crocodile’s grip was unyielding. After a thousand years of struggle, Gajendra, having no recourse, remembered a prayer from his past life and surrendered to the Supreme Lord, Vishnu. This act of devotion saved him, as Vishnu appeared and liberated him from his plight.
Goswami emphasizes the importance of piety and devotion in times of distress, explaining that impious individuals, by contrast, do not turn to God and instead might resort to destructive behaviors. He underscores the value of chanting mantras, like the Hare Krishna mantra, and leading a pious life to maintain a clean consciousness, which helps in making right decisions, especially in times of danger.
The lecture also touches on how approaching God for material benefits shows mixed piety, and concludes by noting that even those who are unaware of these spiritual teachings can receive God’s mercy through divine intervention, such as through the distribution of spiritual books.
