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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.
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Canto 10 · Chapter 37: The Killing of the Demons Keśi and Vyoma
10.37.2710.37.29

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.37.28

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.37.24inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

मयपुत्रो महामायो व्योमो गोपालवेषधृक् ।

मेषायितानपोवाह प्रायश्चोरायितो बहून् ॥ २८ ॥

maya-putro mahā-māyo

vyomo gopāla-veṣa-dhṛk

meṣāyitān apovāha

prāyaś corāyito bahūn

Translation

A powerful magician named Vyoma, son of the demon Maya, then appeared on the scene in the guise of a cowherd boy. Pretending to join the game as a thief, he proceeded to steal most of the cowherd boys who were acting as sheep.

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.

Vyoma Hides His Purpose Behind Play

  1. 1

    Vyoma, son of the demon Maya, was a powerful magician. He appeared disguised as a cowherd boy.

  2. 2

    He pretended to join the game as a thief, hiding his actual purpose within the play.

  3. 3

    He stole most of the cowherd boys who were acting as sheep. His apparent participation in the game concealed real harm.

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 37: The Killing of the Demons Keśi and Vyoma

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Taking advantage of this game, a demon named Vyoma, sent by Kaṁsa, dressed himself like a cowherd boy and joined the band of “thieves.” He abducted a few cowherd boys at a time and threw them into a mountain cave, keeping them there by blocking the entrance with a boulder.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.37
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. maya-putraḥa son of the demon Maya
  2. mahā māyaḥa powerful magician
  3. vyomaḥnamed Vyoma
  4. gopālaof a cowherd boy
  5. veṣathe disguise
  6. dhṛkassuming
  7. meṣāyitānthose who were acting as sheep
  8. apovāhahe took away
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Īśānukathā · The science of God

    Who is the Lord, and how do His devotees live? · Subject 7 of 10

  • Sakhya · Sacred friendship

    The affection of companions and friends of the Lord. · Theme in SB 10.37

    In this verse: “cowherd boys”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 10.37

    In this verse: “maya”

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 does Vyoma’s disguise remind me about the difference between appearances and intentions?

Practice

Today, pause before trusting an appearance and consider whether the actions match it.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayVyoma Hides His Purpose Behind PlayThis 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 10.37.28? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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