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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 68: The Marriage of Sāmba

10.68.28 10.68.30

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.68.29

Ūti· What drives us to act

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.68.29inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

श्रीबादरायणिरुवाच

जन्मबन्धुश्रियोन्नद्धमदास्ते भरतर्षभ ।

आश्राव्य रामं दुर्वाच्यमसभ्या: पुरमाविशन् ॥ २९ ॥

śrī-bādarāyaṇir uvāca

janma-bandhu-śrīyonnaddha-

madās te bharatarṣabha

āśrāvya rāmaṁ durvācyam

asabhyāḥ puram āviśan

Translation

Śrī Bādarāyaṇi said: O best of the Bhāratas, after the arrogant Kurus, thoroughly puffed up by the opulence of their high birth and relations, had spoken these harsh words to Lord Balarāma, they turned and went back to their city.

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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.

High Birth Does Not Excuse Harshness

1
The Kurus were thoroughly puffed up by the opulence of their high birth and relations.
2
Their arrogance came out in harsh words spoken to Lord Balarāma.
3
After speaking, they turned and returned to their city. Their distinguished position did not prevent disrespectful conduct toward the Lord.

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 68: The Marriage of Sāmba

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

When Uddhava appeared in the Kaurava court and announced Lord Balarāma’s arrival, the Kauravas worshiped Uddhava and went to see the Lord, taking auspicious items to offer Him. The Kauravas honored Balarāma with rituals and items of respect, but when He conveyed Ugrasena’s demand that they release Sāmba, they became angry.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 10.68