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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

10.64.41 10.64.43

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.64.42

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

यथाहं प्रणमे विप्राननुकालं समाहित: ।

तथा नमत यूयं च योऽन्यथा मे स दण्डभाक् ॥ ४२ ॥

yathāhaṁ praṇame viprān

anukālaṁ samāhitaḥ

tathā namata yūyaṁ ca

yo ’nyathā me sa daṇḍa-bhāk

Translation

Just us I always carefully bow down to brāhmaṇas, so all of you should likewise bow down to them. I will punish anyone who acts otherwise.

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.

Follow the Lord’s Example of Respect

1
The Lord says that He always carefully bows down to brāhmaṇas. His respect is attentive and consistent.
2
He asks His followers to bow down to them in the same way. He teaches through both His example and His instruction.
3
He also states that He will punish anyone who acts otherwise. This respect is not presented as optional.

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:

Yama asked me which I preferred to do first: suffer the results of my sins or enjoy the results of my pious acts. I decided to suffer my sinful reactions first, and thus I assumed the body of a lizard.”

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 10.64