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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
  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.
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Canto 10 · Chapter 76: The Battle Between Śālva and the Vṛṣṇis
10.76.2010.76.22

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.76.21

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.76.1inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

बहुरूपैकरूपं तद् द‍ृश्यते न च द‍ृश्यते ।

मायामयं मयकृतं दुर्विभाव्यं परैरभूत् ॥ २१ ॥

bahu-rūpaika-rūpaṁ tad

dṛśyate na ca dṛśyate

māyā-mayaṁ maya-kṛtaṁ

durvibhāvyaṁ parair abhūt

Translation

At one moment the magic airship built by Maya Dānava appeared in many identical forms, and the next moment it was again only one. Sometimes it was visible, and sometimes not. Thus Śālva’s opponents could never be sure where it was.

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.

Changing Appearances Create Uncertainty

  1. 1

    The magic airship was built by Maya Dānava.

  2. 2

    At one moment it appeared in many identical forms; at the next, it was again only one.

  3. 3

    Sometimes it was visible and sometimes not. Śālva’s opponents could never be sure where it was.

How it feels

War and pride → Justice and protection. The public expression of divine power comes to the foreground.

Chapters 70–79 of Canto 10: Kingship, Jarāsandha and royal challenges. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 76: The Battle Between Śālva and the Vṛṣṇis

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Lord Śiva granted this request and had Maya Dānava construct for Śālva a flying iron city named Saubha. Śālva took this vehicle to Dvārakā, where he and his huge army laid siege to the city.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.76
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. bahuwith many
  2. rūpaforms
  3. ekawith one
  4. rūpamform
  5. tatthat (Saubha airship)
  6. dṛśyateis seen
  7. nanot
  8. caand
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Īśānukathā · The science of God

    Who is the Lord, and how do His devotees live? · Subject 7 of 10

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 10.76

    In this verse: “maya”

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

How did the airship’s changing appearance make the opponents’ task difficult?

Practice

List the two changes described here: many forms or one, and visible or invisible.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayChanging Appearances Create UncertaintyThis 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 10.76.21? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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