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

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Canto 10 · The Summum Bonum · 90 chapters

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How to study this verse, in six steps

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

Read the full guide: how to hear the Bhāgavatam ›

Canto 10 · Chapter 17: The History of Kāliya

10.17.5 10.17.7

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.17.6

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.17.2-3inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

तमापतन्तं तरसा विषायुध:

प्रत्यभ्ययादुत्थितनैकमस्तक: ।

दद्भ‍ि: सुपर्णं व्यदशद् ददायुध:

करालजिह्वोच्छ्वसितोग्रलोचन: ॥ ६ ॥

tam āpatantaṁ tarasā viṣāyudhaḥ

pratyabhyayād utthita-naika-mastakaḥ

dadbhiḥ suparṇaṁ vyadaśad dad-āyudhaḥ

karāla-jihrocchvasitogra-locanaḥ

Translation

As Garuḍa swiftly fell upon him, Kāliya, who had the weapon of poison, raised his numerous heads to counterattack. Showing his ferocious tongues and expanding his horrible eyes, Kāliya then bit Garuḍa with the weapons of his fangs.

Read the purport on Vedabase.io

From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Kāliya Counterattacks with Poison

1
As Garuḍa swiftly attacked, Kāliya raised his numerous heads to counterattack.
2
Showing his ferocious tongues and expanding his horrible eyes, Kāliya bit Garuḍa with his fangs.
3
The ācāryas explain that Kāliya used poison at a distance by spitting venom and at short range by biting.

Key points from the purport

The ācāryas explain that Kāliya used his weapon of poison at a distance by spitting venom upon his enemy and at short range by biting him with his terrible fangs.

The purport'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

Peril and pride → Friendship and humility. Divinity is revealed amid intimate childhood play.

Chapters 12–19 of Canto 10: Childhood dangers and Brahmā's amazement. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Chapter 17: The History of Kāliya

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Hearing of this, Garuḍa became furious and went to kill Kāliya, whereupon the snake began biting the great bird. Garuḍa fiercely beat him with his wing, sending Kāliya fleeing for his life to a lake adjoining the Yamunā River.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 10.17