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

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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 8: Prayers by Queen Kuntī and Parīkṣit Saved
1.8.141.8.16

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 1.8.15

Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protection
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Sūta Gosvāmīsince 1.8.11inside 1 frame: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya

यद्यप्यस्त्रं ब्रह्मशिरस्त्वमोघं चाप्रतिक्रियम् ।

वैष्णवं तेज आसाद्य समशाम्यद् भृगूद्वह ॥ १५ ॥

yadyapy astraṁ brahma-śiras

tv amoghaṁ cāpratikriyam

vaiṣṇavaṁ teja āsādya

samaśāmyad bhṛgūdvaha

Translation

O Śaunaka, glory of Bhṛgu’s family, although the supreme brahmāstra weapon released by Aśvatthāmā was irresistible and without check or counteraction, it was neutralized and foiled when confronted by the strength of Viṣṇu [Lord Kṛṣṇa].

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

No Weapon Surpasses Kṛṣṇa’s Strength

  1. 1

    Although Aśvatthāmā’s brahmāstra was materially irresistible, it was neutralized by the strength of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

  2. 2

    The brahmajyoti, the glowing transcendental effulgence, rests on Kṛṣṇa. Its radiance comes from Him just as sunshine comes from the sun disc.

  3. 3

    Kṛṣṇa foiled the weapon by His own energy. Because He is absolute, He did not need anyone else’s help.

Key points from the purport
  • In the Bhagavad-gītā it is said that the brahmajyoti, or the glowing transcendental effulgence, is resting on Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
  • So this Brahma weapon also, although materially irresistible, could not surpass the supreme strength of the Lord.
  • The weapon called brahmāstra, released by Aśvatthāmā, was neutralized and foiled by Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa by His own energy; that is to say, He did not wait for any other’s help because He is absolute.

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

Grief → Trust. Violence and bereavement make Kṛṣṇa's protective presence precious.

Chapters 7–9 of Canto 1: Postwar anguish, Kuntī and Bhīṣma. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 8: Prayers by Queen Kuntī and Parīkṣit Saved

Kṛṣṇa protects Parīkṣit, Kuntī prays for undivided attraction to Him, and Yudhiṣṭhira grieves.

Back to this verse in chapter 1.8
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. yadyapialthough
  2. astramweapon
  3. brahma-śiraḥsupreme
  4. tubut
  5. amoghamwithout check
  6. caand
  7. apratikriyamnot to be counteracted
  8. vaiṣṇavamin relation with Viṣṇu
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Poṣaṇa · Protection by the Lord

    How does the Lord care for His devotees? · Subject 4 of 10

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 1.8

    In this verse: “materially”

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does Kṛṣṇa’s complete independence teach me about His supreme position?

Practice

Reread the translation once and reflect on the words describing Kṛṣṇa’s strength.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayNo Weapon Surpasses Kṛṣṇa’s StrengthThis 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 1.8.15? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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