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Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

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Canto 1 · Creation · 19 chapters

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How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Chant the verse. Say the Sanskrit slowly and carefully.
  2. 2Read the word meanings. Go through each Sanskrit word and its meaning.
  3. 3Find the meaning yourself. Before the translation, piece the meaning together from the words.
  4. 4Read the translation. Ask: what is the Lord teaching here, and how does it apply to my life?
  5. 5Read the purport slowly. Read it two or three times. Don't rush.
  6. 6Write down what touched you. Note the main points in your own notebook.
Read the full guide: how to hear the Bhāgavatam ›

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 1.15.18

Who is speaking and story frame

नर्माण्युदाररुचिरस्मितशोभितानि हे पार्थ हेऽर्जुन सखे कुरुनन्दनेति ।

सञ्जल्पितानि नरदेव हृदिस्पृशानि स्मर्तुर्लुठन्ति हृदयं मम माधवस्य ॥ १८ ॥

narmāṇy udāra-rucira-smita-śobhitāni

he pārtha he ’rjuna sakhe kuru-nandaneti

sañjalpitāni nara-deva hṛdi-spṛśāni

smartur luṭhanti hṛdayaṁ mama mādhavasya

Translation

O King! His jokings and frank talks were pleasing and beautifully decorated with smiles. His addresses unto me as “O son of Pṛthā, O friend, O son of the Kuru dynasty,” and all such heartiness are now remembered by me, and thus I am overwhelmed.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Remembering the Lord’s Affection Touches the Heart

  1. 1

    Arjuna remembers the Lord’s pleasing jokes and frank conversations, beautifully accompanied by smiles.

  2. 2

    The Lord addressed him warmly as “O son of Pṛthā,” “O friend,” and “O son of the Kuru dynasty.” These words expressed their heartfelt closeness.

  3. 3

    Remembering this affection overwhelms Arjuna’s heart. His recollection centers on the warmth of his relationship with the Lord.

How it feels

Bereavement → Renunciation. The worldly support system recedes and attachment is exposed.

Chapters 13–15 of Canto 1: Dhṛtarāṣṭra departs; Kṛṣṇa disappears; Pāṇḍavas retire. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 15: The Pāṇḍavas Retire Timely

Arjuna grieves over Kṛṣṇa’s departure, and the Pāṇḍavas retire, fixing their minds on His lotus feet.

Back to this verse in chapter 1.15
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. narmāṇiconversation in jokes
  2. udāratalked very frankly
  3. rucirapleasing
  4. smita-śobhitānidecorated with a smiling face
  5. henote of address
  6. pārthaO son of Pṛthā
  7. henote of address
  8. arjunaArjuna
3

Key ideas in this verse

The subject this verse serves and the themes it speaks of.

  • Īśānukathā · The science of God

    Who is the Lord, and how do His devotees live? · Subject 7 of 10

  • Sakhya · Sacred friendship

    The affection of companions and friends of the Lord. · Theme in SB 1.15

    In this verse: “friend”

  • Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership

    Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 1.15

    In this verse: “king”

Chapter themes come from the story phase this chapter belongs to.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

Which detail of the Lord’s affectionate conversation most touches your heart?

Practice

Read one of the Lord’s affectionate addresses aloud and quietly reflect on its warmth.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayRemembering the Lord’s Affection Touches the HeartThis verse's lesson: one practice and one question for today

Study points are short summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport on Vedabase.

Ask the BhāgavatamHave a question about SB 1.15.18? Get an answer from the verses themselves.