1 · Learn4 of 6 · 5 min

Study a Verse

Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

Or browse by canto and chapter
Canto

Canto 10 · The Summum Bonum · 90 chapters

Choose a chapter to see all its verses.

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 ›

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.77.2

Who is speaking and story frame

विधमन्तं स्वसैन्यानि द्युमन्तं रुक्‍मिणीसुत: ।

प्रतिहत्य प्रत्यविध्यान्नाराचैरष्टभि: स्मयन् ॥ २ ॥

vidhamantaṁ sva-sainyāni

dyumantaṁ rukmiṇī-sutaḥ

pratihatya pratyavidhyān

nārācair aṣṭabhiḥ smayan

Translation

In Pradyumna’s absence, Dyumān had been devastating His army, but now Pradyumna counterattacked Dyumān and, smiling, pierced him with eight nārāca arrows.

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.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Pradyumna Confidently Faces Dyumān

  1. 1

    During Pradyumna’s absence, Dyumān had been devastating His army.

  2. 2

    Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī explains that Pradyumna challenged Dyumān, saying, “Now see if you can strike Me!” He then allowed Dyumān to shoot his weapons.

  3. 3

    Pradyumna counterattacked with a smile, piercing Dyumān with eight nārāca arrows.

Key points from the purport
  • Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī comments that Pradyumna challenged Dyumān, saying “Now see if you can strike Me!”
  • After saying this and allowing Dyumān to shoot his weapons, Pradyumna released His own deadly arrows.

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

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 77: Lord Kṛṣṇa Slays the Demon Śālva

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

As Pradyumna fought with Dyumān, other Yadu heroes like Gada, Sātyaki, and Sāmba began to create havoc among Śālva’s army. The battle continued in this way for twenty-seven days and nights.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.77
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. vidhamantamsmashing
  2. svaHis
  3. sainyānisoldiers
  4. dyumantamDyumān
  5. rukmiṇī-sutaḥthe son of Rukmiṇī (Pradyumna)
  6. pratihatyacounterattacking
  7. pratyavidhyātHe struck back
  8. nārācaiḥwith special arrows made of iron
  9. aṣṭabhiḥeight
  10. smayanwhile smiling
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

  • Viraha · Longing in separation

    Love and remembrance experienced in apparent absence. · Theme in SB 10.77

    In this verse: “absence”

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

What detail in Pradyumna’s response most clearly shows His confidence?

Practice

Reread the verse slowly, noticing Pradyumna’s composure as He faces Dyumān.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayPradyumna Confidently Faces DyumānThis 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 10.77.2? Get an answer from the verses themselves.