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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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Choose a chapter to see all its verses.

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 42: The Breaking of the Sacrificial Bow
10.42.2210.42.24

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.42.23

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

तयोर्विचरतो: स्वैरमादित्योऽस्तमुपेयिवान् । कृष्णरामौ वृतौ गोपै: पुराच्छकटमीयतु: ॥ २३ ॥

tayor vicaratoḥ svairam

ādityo ’stam upeyivān

kṛṣṇa-rāmau vṛtau gopaiḥ

purāc chakaṭam īyatuḥ

Translation

As They strolled about at will, the sun began to set, so They left the city with the cowherd boys and returned to the cowherds’ wagon encampment.

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.

Returning With the Cowherd Boys

  1. 1

    Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma strolled about the city at will.

  2. 2

    As the sun began to set, They left the city.

  3. 3

    The cowherd boys accompanied Them back to the cowherds’ wagon encampment.

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 42: The Breaking of the Sacrificial Bow

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

At sunset Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma returned to the cowherds’ camp for Their evening meal. They then passed the night resting comfortably.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.42
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. tayoḥas They
  2. vicaratoḥmoved about
  3. svairamat Their will
  4. ādityaḥthe sun
  5. astamits setting
  6. upeyivānapproached
  7. kṛṣṇa-rāmauKṛṣṇa and Balarāma
  8. vṛtauaccompanied
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

  • Sakhya · Sacred friendship

    The affection of companions and friends of the Lord. · Theme in SB 10.42

    In this verse: “cowherd boys”

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 do you notice about the cowherd boys sharing this return journey?

Practice

At sunset today, briefly remember Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma returning with the cowherd boys.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayReturning With the Cowherd BoysThis 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 10.42.23? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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