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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 18: Lord Balarāma Slays the Demon Pralamba

10.18.28 10.18.30

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.18.29

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.18.1inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

स आहत: सपदि विशीर्णमस्तको

मुखाद् वमन् रुधिरमपस्मृतोऽसुर: ।

महारवं व्यसुरपतत् समीरयन्

गिरिर्यथा मघवत आयुधाहत: ॥ २९ ॥

sa āhataḥ sapadi viśīrṇa-mastako

mukhād vaman rudhiram apasmṛto ’suraḥ

mahā-ravaṁ vyasur apatat samīrayan

girir yathā maghavata āyudhāhataḥ

Translation

Thus smashed by Balarāma’s fist, Pralamba’s head immediately cracked open. The demon vomited blood from his mouth and lost all consciousness, and then with a great noise he fell lifeless on the ground, like a mountain devastated by Indra.

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

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.

Pralamba Falls Before Balarāma’s Strength

1
Balarāma’s fist immediately cracked open Pralamba’s head.
2
The demon vomited blood, lost consciousness and fell lifeless to the ground.
3
His fall made a great noise. The verse compares him to a mountain devastated by Indra.

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 18: Lord Balarāma Slays the Demon Pralamba

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

The demon repeatedly vomited blood and then fell upon the ground. When the cowherd boys saw Lord Balarāma return, they joyfully embraced and congratulated Him as the demigods showered garlands of flowers from the heavens and glorified Him.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 10.18