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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
  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 10 · Chapter 34: Nanda Mahārāja Saved and Śaṅkhacūḍa Slain
10.34.2710.34.29

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.34.28

Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protection
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The serpentsince 10.34.12-13inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

मा भैष्टेत्यभयारावौ शालहस्तौ तरस्विनौ ।

आसेदतुस्तं तरसा त्वरितं गुह्यकाधमम् ॥ २८ ॥

mā bhaiṣṭety abhayārāvau

śāla-hastau tarasvinau

āsedatus taṁ tarasā

tvaritaṁ guhyakādhamam

Translation

The Lords called out in reply, “Do not fear!” Then They picked up logs of the śala tree and quickly pursued that lowest of Guhyakas, who swiftly ran away.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

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.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

The Lords Give Reassurance and Protection

  1. 1

    The Lords answered the cries with the words “Do not fear!”

  2. 2

    They picked up tree logs and quickly pursued the attacker.

  3. 3

    That lowest of Guhyakas swiftly ran away as the Lords pursued him.

How it feels

Attachment → Impending loss. The approach of departure gives pastoral love a poignant edge.

Chapters 34–38 of Canto 10: Further Vraja events and Akrūra's arrival. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 34: Nanda Mahārāja Saved and Śaṅkhacūḍa Slain

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

In fear of the Lords, Śaṅkhacūḍa left the gopīs aside and ran for his life. Kṛṣṇa chased after him, swiftly approached him and with a blow of His fist removed Śaṅkhacūḍa’s jewel, together with his head.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.34
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. mā bhaiṣṭado not fear
  2. itithus calling
  3. abhayagiving fearlessness
  4. ārāvauwhose words
  5. śālalogs of the śāla tree
  6. hastauin Their hands
  7. tarasvinaumoving quickly
  8. āsedatuḥThey approached
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

  • Abhaya · Fearlessness

    Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 10.34

    In this verse: “fear”

Chapter themes come from the story phase this chapter belongs to.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What do you notice about the Lords combining reassuring words with protective action?

Practice

Read “Do not fear!” aloud, then recall the protective action that followed those words.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Lords Give Reassurance and ProtectionThis 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 10.34.28? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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