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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 64: The Deliverance of King Nṛga

10.64.40 10.64.42

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.64.41

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:Lord Kṛṣṇasince 10.64.32inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

विप्रं कृतागसमपि नैव द्रुह्यत मामका: ।

घ्नन्तं बहु शपन्तं वा नमस्कुरुत नित्यश: ॥ ४१ ॥

vipraṁ kṛtāgasam api

naiva druhyata māmakāḥ

ghnantaṁ bahu śapantaṁ vā

namas-kuruta nityaśaḥ

Translation

My dear followers, never treat a learned brāhmaṇa harshly, even if he has sinned. Even if he attacks you physically or repeatedly curses you, always continue to offer him obeisances.

Read the purport on Vedabase.io

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.

Respect Brāhmaṇas Even When Offended

1
Lord Kṛṣṇa tells His followers never to treat a learned brāhmaṇa harshly, even if that brāhmaṇa has sinned.
2
Even physical attacks or repeated curses do not cancel the instruction to continue offering obeisances.
3
The purport explains that this instruction is not only for Kṛṣṇa’s personal associates. It applies to all who claim to follow the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Key points from the purport

Lord Kṛṣṇa offers this instruction not only to His personal associates but to all those who claim to be followers of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

The purport's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.

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

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 summary Back to this verse in chapter 10.64