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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.
Read the full guide: how to hear the Bhāgavatam ›
Canto 10 · Chapter 83: Draupadī Meets the Queens of Kṛṣṇa
10.83.3210.83.34

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.83.33

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śrī Lakṣmaṇāsince 10.83.17inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

दारुकश्चोदयामास काञ्चनोपस्करं रथम् ।

मिषतां भूभुजां राज्ञि मृगाणां मृगराडिव ॥ ३३ ॥

dārukaś codayām āsa

kāñcanopaskaraṁ ratham

miṣatāṁ bhū-bhujāṁ rājñi

mṛgāṇāṁ mṛga-rāḍ iva

Translation

Dāruka drove the Lord’s gold-trimmed chariot as the kings looked on, O Queen, like small animals helplessly watching a lion.

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.

The Lord’s Majesty Leaves Kings Helpless

  1. 1

    Dāruka drove the Lord’s gold-trimmed chariot.

  2. 2

    The kings looked on as the chariot moved away.

  3. 3

    They are compared to small animals helplessly watching a lion. This image emphasizes the Lord’s majesty beside their helplessness.

How it feels

Humility and separation → Friendship and reunion. The sweetness of relationship outweighs prestige.

Chapters 80–86 of Canto 10: Sudāmā and reunion with the residents of Vraja. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 83: Draupadī Meets the Queens of Kṛṣṇa

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Several kings tried to hit the fish with an arrow but failed. Arjuna then made his attempt.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.83
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. dārukaḥDāruka (Lord Kṛṣṇa’s chariot driver)
  2. codayām āsadrove
  3. kāñcanagolden
  4. upaskaramwhose trimmings
  5. rathamthe chariot
  6. miṣatāmas they watched
  7. bhū-bhujāmthe kings
  8. rājñiO Queen
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

  • Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership

    Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 10.83

    In this verse: “kings”

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 does the comparison with a lion change your view of the kings’ power?

Practice

Reflect briefly on the lion comparison, and approach your devotional service today with humility.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Lord’s Majesty Leaves Kings HelplessThis 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 10.83.33? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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