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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

1Chant the verse. Say the Sanskrit slowly and carefully.
2Read the word meanings. Go through each Sanskrit word and its meaning.
3Find the meaning yourself. Before the translation, piece the meaning together from the words.
4Read the translation. Ask: what is the Lord teaching here, and how does it apply to my life?
5Read the purport slowly. Read it two or three times. Don't rush.
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 4: The Atrocities of King Kaṁsa

10.4.43 10.4.45

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.4.44

Ūti· What drives us to act

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.4.43inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

सन्दिश्य साधुलोकस्य कदने कदनप्रियान् ।

कामरूपधरान् दिक्षु दानवान् गृहमाविशत् ॥ ४४ ॥

sandiśya sādhu-lokasya

kadane kadana-priyān

kāma-rūpa-dharān dikṣu

dānavān gṛham āviśat

Translation

These demons, the followers of Kaṁsa, were expert at persecuting others, especially the Vaiṣṇavas, and could assume any form they desired. After giving these demons permission to go everywhere and persecute the saintly persons, Kaṁsa entered his palace.

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This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Kaṁsa Authorizes Persecution of Saintly Persons

1
Kaṁsa’s demonic followers were expert at persecuting others, especially the Vaiṣṇavas.
2
These demons could assume any form they desired. Kaṁsa gave them permission to go everywhere and persecute saintly persons.
3
After authorizing this persecution, Kaṁsa entered his palace. He gave his support to harming saintly persons.

How it feels

Terror → Wonder and relief. The threat of destruction yields to divine appearance.

Chapters 1–4 of Canto 10: Threat from Kaṁsa and Kṛṣṇa's birth. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Chapter 4: The Atrocities of King Kaṁsa

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Therefore, the ministers advised, the demigods, the saintly persons, the cows and the brāhmaṇas should be systematically persecuted. Strongly advised in this way by his friends, the demoniac ministers, Kaṁsa approved of their instructions and considered it beneficial to be envious of the brāhmaṇas.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 10.4