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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 64: The Deliverance of King Nṛga
10.64.3610.64.39

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Texts 10.64.37-38

Ūti· What drives us to act
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Lord Kṛṣṇasince 10.64.32inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

गृह्णन्ति यावत: पांशून् क्रन्दतामश्रुबिन्दव: ।

विप्राणां हृतवृत्तीनां वदान्यानां कुटुम्बिनाम् ॥ ३७ ॥

राजानो राजकुल्याश्‍च तावतोऽब्दान्निरङ्कुशा: ।

कुम्भीपाकेषु पच्यन्ते ब्रह्मदायापहारिण: ॥ ३८ ॥

gṛhṇanti yāvataḥ pāṁśūn

krandatām aśru-bindavaḥ

viprāṇāṁ hṛta-vṛttīnām

vadānyānāṁ kuṭumbinām

rājāno rāja-kulyāś ca

tāvato ’bdān niraṅkuśāḥ

kumbhī-pākeṣu pacyante

brahma-dāyāpahāriṇaḥ

Translation

For as many years as there are particles of dust touched by the tears of generous brāhmaṇas who have dependent families and whose property is stolen, uncontrolled kings who usurp a brāhmaṇa’s property are cooked, along with their royal families, in the hell known as Kumbhīpāka.

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.

Taking Property Brings Suffering to Families

  1. 1

    The verse describes generous brāhmaṇas whose families depend on them. When their property is stolen, they are left in tears.

  2. 2

    Uncontrolled kings who seize this property suffer along with their royal families in the hell called Kumbhīpāka.

  3. 3

    Their punishment lasts as many years as there are particles of dust touched by the brāhmaṇas’ tears. This presents a grave warning against causing such suffering.

How it feels

Conflict and affection → Devotional wonder. Divine intimacy coexists with royal duties.

Chapters 60–69 of Canto 10: Palace life, family bonds and heroic protection. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 64: The Deliverance of King Nṛga

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Lord Kṛṣṇa then instructed His personal associates, as well as the general mass of people, on the dangers of stealing a brāhmaṇa’s property. Finally, the Lord returned to His palace.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.64
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. gṛhṇantitouch
  2. yāvataḥas many
  3. pāṁśūnparticles of dust
  4. krandatāmwho are crying
  5. aśru-bindavaḥteardrops
  6. viprāṇāmof brāhmaṇas
  7. hṛtataken away
  8. vṛttīnāmwhose means of support
3

Key ideas in this verse

The subject this verse serves and the themes it speaks of.

  • Ūti · The creative impetus

    Why do we act, and what keeps us bound? · Subject 5 of 10

  • Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership

    Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 10.64

    In this verse: “kings”

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 10.64

    In this verse: “suffering”

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

Do I consider the dependent families affected when someone’s property is taken?

Practice

Before using another person’s property today, consider who depends on it and make sure your use is permitted.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayTaking Property Brings Suffering to FamiliesThis 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 10.64.37-38? Get an answer from the verses themselves.