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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 42: The Breaking of the Sacrificial Bow

10.42.21 10.42.23

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.42.22

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:Lord Kṛṣṇasince 10.42.12inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

tayos tad adbhutaṁ vīryaṁ

niśāmya pura-vāsinaḥ

tejaḥ prāgalbhyaṁ rūpaṁ ca

menire vibudhottamau

Translation

Having witnessed the amazing deed Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma had performed, and seeing Their strength, boldness and beauty, the people of the city thought They must be two prominent demigods.

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.

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Wonder Before Their Strength and Beauty

1
The people of the city witnessed the amazing deed of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma.
2
They saw Their strength, boldness and beauty together.
3
The residents thought They must be two prominent demigods. This describes the residents’ impression, not Kṛṣṇa’s full identity as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

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

Chapter 42: The Breaking of the Sacrificial Bow

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

When the people of the city saw the amazing prowess and beauty of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, they thought They must be two chief demigods. Indeed, as the residents of Mathurā gazed upon the Lords, they enjoyed all the blessings the gopīs had predicted.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 10.42