karmaṇy asminn anÄÅ›vÄse
dhÅ«ma-dhÅ«mrÄtmanÄá¹ bhavÄn
ÄpÄyayati govinda-
pÄda-padmÄsavaá¹ madhu
karmaṇi - in fruitive activity; asmin - in this; anÄÅ›vÄse - although not positive in result; dhÅ«ma-dhÅ«mra-ÄtmanÄm - whose bodies are simply becoming blackish because of smoke; bhavÄn - you; ÄpÄyayati - give a chance to drink; govinda-pÄda-padma-Äsavam - the nectarean beverage flowing from the lotus feet of Govinda; madhu - sweet.
“ ‘We have just begun performing this fruitive activity, a sacrificial fire, but due to the many imperfections in our action, we are not certain of its result. Our bodies have become black from the smoke, but we are factually pleased by the nectar of the lotus feet of the Personality of Godhead, Govinda, which you are distributing.’
This verse from ÅšrÄ«mad-BhÄgavatam (1.18.12) was spoken to SÅ«ta GosvÄmÄ« at the meeting of great sages at Naimiá¹£Äraṇya. The great sages were headed by Åšaunaka, and SÅ«ta GosvÄmÄ« was speaking of the glorious activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead at that meeting. At that time, all the ṛṣis assembled there neglected to complete the ritualistic ceremonies because there was no positive assurance of the results. All the performers were coated with black ash due to the large amount of smoke coming from the fire.
