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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

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 88: Lord Śiva Saved from Vṛkāsura

10.88.33 10.88.35

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.88.34

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:The Supreme Lordsince 10.88.32inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

यद्यसत्यं वच: शम्भो: कथञ्चिद् दानवर्षभ ।

तदैनं जह्यसद्वाचं न यद वक्तानृतं पुन: ॥ ३४ ॥

yady asatyaṁ vacaḥ śambhoḥ

kathañcid dānavarṣabha

tadainaṁ jahy asad-vācaṁ

na yad vaktānṛtaṁ punaḥ

Translation

If the words of Lord Śambhu prove untrue in any way, O best of the demons, then kill the liar so he may never lie again.

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.

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Words That Deepen the Demon’s Doubt

1
The speaker asks the demon to consider whether Lord Śambhu’s words might prove untrue.
2
The suggestion to kill him is conditional: it depends on his words proving false.
3
The purport explains that Lord Śiva might revive himself even after being killed, but would at least be dissuaded from lying again.

Key points from the purport

Lord Śiva may have the power to revive himself even after being killed, but at least he will be dissuaded from lying again.

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

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

Chapter 88: Lord Śiva Saved from Vṛkāsura

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Vṛka was charmed by the Lord’s words and revealed everything that had happened. The Lord said, “Ever since Lord Śiva was cursed by Prajāpati Dakṣa, he has become just like a carnivorous hobgoblin.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 10.88