katham Älaká¹£itaḥ pauraiḥ
samprÄptaḥ kuru-jÄá¹…galÄn
unmatta-mÅ«ka-jaá¸avad
vicaran gaja-sÄhvaye
katham - how; Älaká¹£itaḥ - recognized; pauraiḥ - by the citizens; samprÄptaḥ - reaching; kuru-jÄá¹…galÄn - the Kuru-jÄá¹…gala provinces; unmatta - mad; mÅ«ka - dumb; jaá¸avat - stunted; vicaran - wandering; gaja-sÄhvaye - HastinÄpura.
The present city of Delhi was formerly known as HastinÄpura because it was first established by King HastÄ«. GosvÄmÄ« Åšukadeva, after leaving his paternal home, was roaming like a madman, and therefore it was very difficult for the citizens to recognize him in his exalted position. A sage is not, therefore, recognized by sight, but by hearing. One should approach a sÄdhu or great sage not to see but to hear him. If one is not prepared to hear the words of a sÄdhu, there is no profit. Åšukadeva GosvÄmÄ« was a sÄdhu who could speak on the transcendental activities of the Lord. He did not satisfy the whims of ordinary citizens. He was recognized when he spoke on the subject of BhÄgavatam, and he never attempted jugglery like a magician. Outwardly he appeared to be a retarded, dumb madman, but in fact he was the most elevated transcendental personality.