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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 39: Akrūra’s Vision
10.39.3910.39.41

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.39.40

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.39.31inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

अक्रूरस्तावुपामन्‍त्र्य निवेश्य च रथोपरि ।

कालिन्द्या ह्रदमागत्य स्‍नानं विधिवदाचरत् ॥ ४० ॥

akrūras tāv upāmantrya

niveśya ca rathopari

kālindyā hradam āgatya

snānaṁ vidhi-vad ācarat

Translation

Akrūra asked the two Lords to take Their seats on the chariot. Then, taking Their permission, he went to a pool in the Yamunā and took his bath as enjoined in the scriptures.

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.

Respectful Conduct Before the Two Lords

  1. 1

    Akrūra asked the two Lords to take Their seats on the chariot.

  2. 2

    Before leaving to bathe, he took Their permission.

  3. 3

    He went to a pool in the Yamunā and bathed as enjoined in the scriptures.

How it feels

Anxiety and conflict → Liberation and joy. Heroic victory is complicated by separation from Vraja.

Chapters 39–45 of Canto 10: Mathurā, Kaṁsa and reunion with parents. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 39: Akrūra’s Vision

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

After the two Lords had gotten back into the chariot, Akrūra took Their permission to bathe in the Yamunā. As he recited Vedic mantras, he was startled to see the two Lords standing in the water.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.39
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. akrūraḥAkrūra
  2. taufrom the two of Them
  3. upāmantryataking permission
  4. niveśyahaving Them sit down
  5. caand
  6. ratha-uparion the chariot
  7. kālindyāḥof the Yamunā
  8. hradamto a pond
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 can you learn from Akrūra’s attention to the two Lords before attending to his bath?

Practice

Before your devotional practice today, pause to approach it with the respect shown by Akrūra.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayRespectful Conduct Before the Two LordsThis 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 10.39.40? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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