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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 88: Lord Śiva Saved from Vṛkāsura
10.88.3510.88.37

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.88.36

Nirodha· Winding up
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.88.35inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

अथापतद् भिन्नशिरा: वज्राहत इव क्षणात् ।

जयशब्दो नम:शब्द: साधुशब्दोऽभवद् दिवि ॥ ३६ ॥

athāpatad bhinna-śirāḥ

vajrāhata iva kṣaṇāt

jaya-śabdo namaḥ-śabdaḥ

sādhu-śabdo ’bhavad divi

Translation

Instantly his head shattered as if struck by a lightning bolt, and the demon fell down dead. From the sky were heard cries of “Victory!” “Obeisances!” and “Well done!”

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 Demon Falls Amid Cries of Victory

  1. 1

    The demon’s head shattered instantly, as if struck by a lightning bolt.

  2. 2

    He fell down dead; the result was immediate.

  3. 3

    Cries of “Victory!” “Obeisances!” and “Well done!” were heard from the sky.

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:

Cries of “Victory!” “Obeisances!” and “Well done!” were heard from the sky, and the demigods, sages, celestial forefathers and Gandharvas all congratulated the Supreme Lord by raining down flowers upon Him.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.88
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. athathen
  2. apatathe fell down
  3. bhinnashattered
  4. śirāḥhis head
  5. vajraby a lightning bolt
  6. āhataḥstruck
  7. ivaas if
  8. kṣaṇātin a fraction of a second
3

Key ideas in this verse

The subject this verse serves and the themes it speaks of.

  • Nirodha · Returning home, back to Godhead

    What happens when everything here comes to an end? · Subject 8 of 10

  • Kīrtana · Hearing and chanting

    Remembering the Lord through sacred sound. · Theme in SB 10.88

    In this verse: “heard”

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 do the cries of obeisance shape my understanding of this victory?

Practice

Read the three cries aloud, giving particular attention to “Obeisances!”

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Demon Falls Amid Cries of VictoryThis 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 10.88.36? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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