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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 38: Akrūra’s Arrival in Vṛndāvana
10.38.28-3310.38.35

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.38.34

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.38.24inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

रथात्तूर्णमवप्लुत्य सोऽक्रूर: स्‍नेहविह्वल: ।

पपात चरणोपान्ते दण्डवद् रामकृष्णयो: ॥ ३४ ॥

rathāt tūrṇam avaplutya

so ’krūraḥ sneha-vihvalaḥ

papāta caraṇopānte

daṇḍa-vad rāma-kṛṣṇayoḥ

Translation

Akrūra, overwhelmed with affection, quickly jumped down from his chariot and fell at the feet of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma like a rod.

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.

Affection Expressed Through Humble Obeisance

  1. 1

    Akrūra was overwhelmed with affection when he saw Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma.

  2. 2

    He quickly jumped down from his chariot to approach Them.

  3. 3

    He fell flat like a rod at Their feet. His affection found expression in a humble bow.

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 38: Akrūra’s Arrival in Vṛndāvana

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

When he saw Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma he fell at Their lotus feet, and both the Lords embraced him. Afterward They brought him to Their residence, inquired from him about the comfort of his trip and honored him in various ways — offering him water for washing his feet, arghya, a seat and so forth.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.38
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. rathātfrom his chariot
  2. tūrṇamquickly
  3. avaplutyaclimbing down
  4. saḥhe
  5. akrūraḥAkrūra
  6. snehaby affection
  7. vihvalaḥovercome
  8. papātafell
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

  • Dainya · Humility

    Ego yields to insight, service and surrender. · Theme in SB 10.38

    In this verse: “humble”

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

How can I bring more affection into my expressions of reverence?

Practice

Offer a respectful bow to Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, pausing to express affection rather than rushing.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayAffection Expressed Through Humble ObeisanceThis 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 10.38.34? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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