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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 77: Lord Kṛṣṇa Slays the Demon Śālva

10.77.20 10.77.22

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.77.21

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:The Supreme Lordsince 10.77.19inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

गदायां सन्निवृत्तायां शाल्वस्त्वन्तरधीयत ।

ततो मुहूर्त आगत्य पुरुष: शिरसाच्युतम् ।

देवक्या प्रहितोऽस्मीति नत्वा प्राह वचो रुदन् ॥ २१ ॥

gadāyāṁ sannivṛttāyāṁ

śālvas tv antaradhīyata

tato muhūrta āgatya

puruṣaḥ śirasācyutam

devakyā prahito ’smīti

natvā prāha vaco rudan

Translation

But as soon as Lord Acyuta withdrew His club, Śālva disappeared from sight, and a moment later a man approached the Lord. Bowing his head down to Him, he announced, “Devakī has sent me,” and, sobbing, spoke the following words.

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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.

A Sobbing Man Approaches the Lord

1
As soon as Lord Acyuta withdrew His club, Śālva disappeared from sight.
2
A moment later, a man approached the Lord and bowed his head to Him.
3
The man announced, “Devakī has sent me,” and began to speak while sobbing. The verse reports his claim without explaining it further.

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

Chapter 77: Lord Kṛṣṇa Slays the Demon Śālva

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

A moment later a man came before Lord Kṛṣṇa and, after offering Him obeisances, introduced himself as a messenger from Mother Devakī. The man informed the Lord that His father, Vasudeva, had been kidnapped by Śālva.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 10.77