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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 38: Akrūra’s Arrival in Vṛndāvana
10.38.37-3810.38.40

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.38.39

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

निवेद्य गां चातिथये संवाह्य श्रान्तमादृत: ।

अन्नं बहुगुणं मेध्यं श्रद्धयोपाहरद् विभु: ॥ ३९ ॥

nivedya gāṁ cātithaye

saṁvāhya śrāntam āḍṛtaḥ

annaṁ bahu-guṇaṁ medhyaṁ

śraddhayopāharad vibhuḥ

Translation

The almighty Lord Balarāma presented Akrūra with the gift of a cow, massaged his feet to relieve him of fatigue and then with great respect and faith fed him suitably prepared food of various fine tastes.

Read the purport on Vedabase.io

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.

Eagerness to Receive the Lord’s Hospitality

  1. 1

    The almighty Lord Balarāma gave Akrūra a cow and massaged his feet to relieve his fatigue.

  2. 2

    Balarāma fed him suitably prepared food of various fine tastes, with great respect and faith.

  3. 3

    Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī explains that Akrūra arrived on the twelfth lunar day, when one should not break a fast at night. Akrūra dispensed with this formality because he was eager to receive food in the Lord’s house.

Key points from the purport
  • According to Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī, Akrūra went to Kṛṣṇa’s and Balarāma’s house on the twelfth lunar day, on which one should not break a fast at night.
  • However, Akrūra dispensed with this formality because he was eager to receive food in the Lord’s house.

The purport's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.

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:

They relieved him of his fatigue by massaging his feet and served him a delicious banquet. Mahārāja Nanda also honored Akrūra with many sweet words.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.38
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. nivedyapresenting in charity
  2. gāma cow
  3. caand
  4. atithayeto the guest
  5. saṁvāhyamassaging
  6. śrāntamwho was tired
  7. adṛtaḥwith great respect
  8. annamcooked food
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

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 stands out to you about Akrūra’s eagerness to receive food in the Lord’s house?

Practice

Offer a tired person something suitable to eat today, serving it with care and respect.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayEagerness to Receive the Lord’s HospitalityThis 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 10.38.39? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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