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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 33: The Rāsa Dance

10.33.11 10.33.13

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.33.12

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.33.1inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

कस्याश्‍चिन्नाट्यविक्षिप्त कुण्डलत्विषमण्डितम् ।

गण्डं गण्डे सन्दधत्या: प्रादात्ताम्बूलचर्वितम् ॥ १२ ॥

kasyāścin nāṭya-vikṣipta

kuṇḍala-tviṣa-maṇḍitam

gaṇḍaṁ gaṇḍe sandadhatyāḥ

prādāt tāmbūla-carvitam

Translation

Next to Kṛṣṇa’s cheek one gopī put her own, beautified by the effulgence of her earrings, which glittered as she danced. Kṛṣṇa then carefully gave her the betel nut He was chewing.

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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.

Kṛṣṇa’s Careful Exchange of Affection

1
As one gopī danced, her glittering earrings beautified her cheek.
2
She placed her cheek next to Kṛṣṇa’s cheek.
3
Kṛṣṇa carefully gave her the betel nut He was chewing, responding to her affectionate approach.

How it feels

Separation → Transcendental intimacy. The peak of longing reveals the intensity of selfless love.

Chapters 29–33 of Canto 10: The gopīs' yearning, reunion and rasa. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Chapter 33: The Rāsa Dance

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Even after Lord Kṛṣṇa manifested Himself in numerous forms, each gopī thought He was standing next to her alone. Gradually the gopīs became fatigued from the continuous dancing and singing, and each of them placed her arm on the shoulder of the Kṛṣṇa standing beside her.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 10.33