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Canto 10 · The Summum Bonum · 90 chapters

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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 66: Pauṇḍraka, the False Vāsudeva
10.66.3510.66.37

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.66.36

Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protection
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Lord Kṛṣṇasince 10.66.19inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

अक्षै: सभायां क्रीडन्तं भगवन्तं भयातुरा: ।

त्राहि त्राहि त्रिलोकेश वह्ने: प्रदहत: पुरम् ॥ ३६ ॥

akṣaiḥ sabhāyāṁ krīḍantaṁ

bhagavantaṁ bhayāturāḥ

trāhi trāhi tri-lokeśa

vahneḥ pradahataḥ puram

Translation

Distraught with fear, the people cried out to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who was then playing at dice in the royal court: “Save us! Save us, O Lord of the three worlds, from this fire burning up the city!”

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.

Turn to the Lord for Shelter

  1. 1

    Distraught with fear, the people cried out to the Supreme Personality of Godhead as fire burned their city.

  2. 2

    The Lord was playing at dice in the royal court when they approached Him.

  3. 3

    They addressed Him as the Lord of the three worlds and pleaded, “Save us! Save us!” Their appeal shows their dependence on His protection.

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 66: Pauṇḍraka, the False Vāsudeva

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Because Pauṇḍraka had constantly meditated on the Supreme Lord, even dressing like Him, he gained liberation. When Kṛṣṇa beheaded Kāśirāja, the King’s head flew into his city, and when his queens, sons and other relatives saw it, they all began to lament.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.66
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. akṣaiḥwith dice
  2. sabhāyāmin the royal court
  3. krīḍantamplaying
  4. bhagavantamto the Personality of Godhead
  5. bhayawith fear
  6. āturāḥagitated
  7. trāhi trāhi(they said) “Save us! Save us!”
  8. trithree
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Poṣaṇa · Protection by the Lord

    How does the Lord care for His devotees? · Subject 4 of 10

  • Abhaya · Fearlessness

    Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 10.66

    In this verse: “fear”

  • Viraha · Longing in separation

    Love and remembrance experienced in apparent absence. · Theme in SB 10.66

    In this verse: “cried”

  • Rakṣā · Divine protection

    Protection of devotees through the Lord’s intervention. · Theme in SB 10.66

    In this verse: “protection”

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

When I feel afraid, do I remember to turn to the Lord for shelter?

Practice

Offer a brief, sincere prayer asking the Lord for shelter in one fear you face today.

Live this todayTurn to the Lord for ShelterThis 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 10.66.36? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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