Let’s look at the meaning of the 145th divya nama of Vishnu Shasranama - Bhokta (भोक्ता) from -

भ्राजिष्णुर्भोजनं भोक्ता सहिष्णुर्जगदादिजः ।

अनघो विजयो जेता विश्वयोनिः पुनर्वसुः ॥

The divine name 'Bhokta' means 'The Enjoyer.' It shows that Lord Vishnu Himself is the one who enjoys or accepts the offerings made by His devotees. These offerings could be simple items like leaves, flowers, fruits, or water, but when given with true love and devotion, He accepts them as priceless treasures.

Bhagavad Gita says:

पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति।

तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मनः।।
(Gita 9.26)

'If a devotee offers to me a mere leaf, flower, fruit, or water with sincere devotion and love, I accept it as an invaluable treasure.'

The name 'Bhokta' also signifies that Lord Vishnu accepts and enjoys all offerings, no matter which deity they are intended for. This means He is the ultimate receiver of all offerings, showing His all-encompassing nature and His grace towards those who serve Him with love.

In this way, 'Bhokta' emphasizes Vishnu’s role as the one who lovingly accepts the devotion and sacrifices of His devotees, bringing them closer to Him.

1. Gajendra Moksha

• In the story of Gajendra Moksha from the Bhagavata Purana, the elephant Gajendra was caught by a crocodile and struggled fora long time. When he finally offered a lotus to Lord Vishnu with a sincere prayer, Bhagavan appeared instantly, accepting his offering and devotion. Vishnu's acceptance of Gajendra's lotus shows that He values love and sincerity above all else.
• Despite being a mere flower, this lotus became invaluable because it was offered with deep faith. This story emphasizes that Vishnu, as the ultimate Bhokta, treasures sincere devotion over material richness.

2. Draupadi’s Akshaya Patra Offering

• In the Mahabharata, when the Pandavas were in exile, Draupadi used the Akshaya Patra, a magical vessel that provided unlimited food until she ate her portion. One day, when Sage Durvasa and his disciples visited, the pot was empty. The pot once emptied and washed will not produce food  for the rest of the day. Draupadi prayed to Lord Krishna for help. Krishna accepted a single grain of rice that she could still find inside the pot, and, as Bhokta, He was satisfied. This satisfaction filled the stomachs of the sage and his disciples.
• This example shows that even a single grain, offered with devotion, is enough for the Lord, who is truly the Bhokta of all offerings made with love.

3. Sudama’s Beaten Rice (Poha)

• Another famous story is that of Sudama, Lord Krishna’s childhood friend. Sudama, a poor Brahmin, visited Krishna with a small bag of beaten rice (poha). Despite the simplicity of this offering, Krishna accepted it with great joy and affection. In return, He blessed Sudama with wealth and prosperity.
• This episode demonstrates that Lord Vishnu, as Bhokta, cherishes the smallest gifts given with a pure heart. His joy in receiving the humble gift from Sudama shows His loving nature toward His devotees.

4. Rama’s Acceptance of Sabari’s Berries

• In the Ramayana, Lord Rama met Sabari, a humble devotee, who offered Him berries. She tasted each berry first to ensure they were sweet before offering them to Rama. Despite this act, considered impure by societal norms, Rama accepted the berries because of Sabari’s deep devotion and love.
• This story illustrates that Lord Vishnu values love and devotion over ritual purity, as He accepted Sabari’s berries wholeheartedly. It exemplifies His role as Bhokta, one who is pleased by sincere offerings.

5. Devaki and Vasudeva’s Prayers

• In the Bhagavata Purana, when Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in the prison of Kamsa, they offered prayers and surrendered completely to Him, asking for His grace. Lord Vishnu accepted their heartfelt prayers, promising to protect them and fulfill His role as their son.
• Here, Lord Vishnu accepts not material offerings but the deep faith and surrender of His devotees. This shows that as Bhokta, He also 'enjoys' or accepts prayers, surrender, and devotion, not just physical offerings.

6. The Bhagavad Gita – Universal Bhokta

• In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna  declares, 'I am the enjoyer of all yajnas and the Lord of all the worlds.' This statement signifies that even offerings made to other deities ultimately reach Him. This universal acceptance as Bhokta shows Vishnu’s all-encompassing role as the divine recipient of all acts of devotion across the cosmos.
• It emphasizes that Lord Vishnu is the ultimate Bhokta, accepting all sacrifices, worship, and offerings, regardless of the form or the deity to whom they are dedicated.

Significance of 'Bhokta' in Devotees' Lives

• The name 'Bhokta' reassures devotees that Bhagavan cherishes their offerings, however small, as long as they are given with a sincere heart. His acceptance brings blessings, peace, and fulfillment to devotees.
• It reminds followers that what matters most to the Lord is not the size or type of offering but the purity of intention behind it. This encourages devotees to worship with love rather than worrying about material wealth or ritual perfection.

Through these examples, we see that as Bhokta, Lord Vishnu shows His boundless love and grace, rewarding the devotion of His followers, no matter how simple or humble their offerings might be. His role as the 'Enjoyer' brings devotees closer to Him, teaching us that heartfelt devotion is the true path to His divine blessings.

Knowledge Bank

How many hands does Durga Maa have?

Durga Maa has got a thousand hands, but she is famous as the eighteen-handed Goddess. This is mentioned in the Vaikrithika rahasya of Durga Saptashati - अष्टादशभुजा पूज्या सा सहस्रभुजा सती.

Dandakaranya

Dandakaranya is named after King Danda, descendent of Ikshwaku. He violated Ara the daughter of Sukra Maharshi. Ara wanted to take revenge. Shukra Maharshi told her to observe tapas. As a result of her tapas, Indra destroyed his kingdom by raining fire. The place later became a forest.