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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 ›
Canto 1 · Chapter 19: The Appearance of Śukadeva Gosvāmī
1.19.161.19.18

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 1.19.17

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The fortunate Kingsince 1.19.13inside 1 frame: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya

इति स्म राजाध्यवसाययुक्त:

प्राचीनमूलेषु कुशेषु धीर: ।

उदङ्‍मुखो

दक्षिणकूल आस्ते

समुद्रपत्‍न्‍या: स्वसुतन्यस्तभार: ॥ १७ ॥

iti sma rājādhyavasāya-yuktaḥ

prācīna-mūleṣu kuśeṣu dhīraḥ

udaṅ-mukho dakṣiṇa-kūla āste

samudra-patnyāḥ sva-suta-nyasta-bhāraḥ

Translation

In perfect self-control, Mahārāja Parīkṣit sat down on a seat of straw, with straw-roots facing the east, placed on the southern bank of the Ganges, and he himself faced the north. Just previously he had given charge of his kingdom over to his son.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Prepare Favorable Conditions for Spiritual Success

  1. 1

    Before leaving home, Mahārāja Parīkṣit handed the administration of his kingdom over to his son.

  2. 2

    In perfect self-control, he sat on kuśa straw on the southern bank of the Ganges, facing north.

  3. 3

    The purport explains the favorable arrangement of his seat and direction. He was thus fully equipped with favorable conditions for spiritual success.

Key points from the purport
  • The seat of kuśa straw is considered to be sanctified if the straw is taken out of the earth complete with root, and if the root is pointed toward the east it is considered to be auspicious.
  • Mahārāja Parīkṣit handed over the charge of administration to his son before leaving home.
  • He was thus fully equipped for all favorable conditions.

Śrīla Prabhupāda's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.

How it feels

Remorse and urgency → Surrender and inquiry. Seven days to live become the impetus for complete spiritual hearing.

Chapters 18–19 of Canto 1: Parīkṣit is cursed and welcomes Śukadeva. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 19: The Appearance of Śukadeva Gosvāmī

Parīkṣit accepts impending death, sits beside the Ganges, and asks Śukadeva Gosvāmī about perfection.

Back to this verse in chapter 1.19
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. itithus
  2. smaas in the past
  3. rājāthe King
  4. adhyavasāyaperseverance
  5. yuktaḥbeing engaged
  6. prācīnaeastern
  7. mūleṣuwith the root
  8. kuśeṣuon a seat made of kuśa straw
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Mukti · Liberation

    What is real freedom for the soul? · Subject 9 of 10

  • Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership

    Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 1.19

    In this verse: “kingdom”, “administration”

  • Kṛpā · Divine mercy

    Grace received beyond material calculations. · Theme in SB 1.19

    In this verse: “favorable”

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What responsibility or distraction needs attention so you can approach spiritual practice steadily?

Practice

Complete one necessary responsibility before your spiritual practice today.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayPrepare Favorable Conditions for Spiritual SuccessThis 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 1.19.17? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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