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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
10.88.3610.88.38-39

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.88.37

Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protection
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.88.35inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

मुमुचु: पुष्पवर्षाणि हते पापे वृकासुरे ।

देवर्षिपितृगन्धर्वा मोचित: सङ्कटाच्छिव: ॥ ३७ ॥

mumucuḥ puṣpa-varṣāṇi

hate pāpe vṛkāsure

devarṣi-pitṛ-gandharvā

mocitaḥ saṅkaṭāc chivaḥ

Translation

The celestial sages, Pitās and Gandharvas rained down flowers to celebrate the killing of sinful Vṛkāsura. Now Lord Śiva was out of danger.

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.

Lord Śiva Is Freed from Danger

  1. 1

    Sinful Vṛkāsura had been killed.

  2. 2

    The celestial sages, Pitās and Gandharvas celebrated by raining down flowers.

  3. 3

    Lord Śiva was now out of 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:

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. mumucuḥthey released
  2. puṣpaof flowers
  3. varṣāṇirain
  4. hatehaving been killed
  5. pāpethe sinful
  6. vṛka-asuredemon Vṛka
  7. deva-ṛṣithe celestial sages
  8. pitṛdeparted forefathers
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Poṣaṇa · Protection by the Lord

    How does the Lord care for His devotees? · Subject 4 of 10

  • Abhaya · Fearlessness

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

    In this verse: “danger”

  • Śuddhi · Inner transformation

    The reorientation of the heart toward service. · Theme in SB 10.88

    In this verse: “sinful”

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 can I make Lord Śiva’s deliverance, rather than the demon’s death alone, the focus of my reflection?

Practice

Pause for a moment today and gratefully reflect on Lord Śiva being freed from danger.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayLord Śiva Is Freed from 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 10.88.37? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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