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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 88: Lord Śiva Saved from Vṛkāsura
10.88.1210.88.14

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.88.13

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.88.12inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

अत्र चोदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् ।

वृकासुराय गिरिशो वरं दत्त्वाप सङ्कटम् ॥ १३ ॥

atra codāharantīmam

itihāsaṁ purātanam

vṛkāsurāya giriśo

varaṁ dattvāpa saṅkaṭam

Translation

In this connection, an ancient historical account is related concerning how the Lord of Kailāsa Mountain was put into danger by offering a choice of benedictions to the demon Vṛka.

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.

Granting a Boon Can Bring Danger

  1. 1

    An ancient historical account illustrates the danger connected with granting benedictions.

  2. 2

    The Lord of Kailāsa Mountain offered the demon Vṛka a choice of benedictions.

  3. 3

    Giving this choice placed Lord Śiva himself in danger.

How it feels

Awe → Reverent fulfillment. The canto closes with theological wonder.

Chapters 87–90 of Canto 10: The Vedas praise and the Lord's glories conclude. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 88: Lord Śiva Saved from Vṛkāsura

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

In this regard the Vedic literature relates the following account: Once the demon Vṛka asked Nārada which god was most quickly pleased, and Nārada answered that Lord Śiva was. Thus Vṛkāsura went to the holy place of Kedāranātha and began worshiping Lord Śiva by offering pieces of his own flesh as oblations into the fire.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.88
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. atrain this regard
  2. caand
  3. udāharantithey relate as an example
  4. imamthe following
  5. itihāsamhistorical account
  6. purātanamancient
  7. vṛka-asurāyato the demon Vṛka
  8. giri-śaḥLord Śiva, master of Mount Kailāsa
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

  • Abhaya · Fearlessness

    Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 10.88

    In this verse: “danger”

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

Do I consider the possible consequences before promising to fulfill someone's wishes?

Practice

Before making one promise today, pause to consider whether fulfilling it could cause harm.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayGranting a Boon Can Bring DangerThis 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 10.88.13? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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