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Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

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Canto 11 · General History · 31 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 11 · Chapter 13: The Haṁsa-avatāra Answers the Questions of the Sons of Brahmā
11.13.4111.14.1

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 11.13.42

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Lord Kṛṣṇasince 11.13.41inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitLord Kṛṣṇa → Uddhava

तैरहं पूजित: सम्यक् संस्तुत: परमर्षिभि: ।

प्रत्येयाय स्वकं धाम पश्यत: परमेष्ठिन: ॥ ४२ ॥

tair ahaṁ pūjitaḥ saṁyak

saṁstutaḥ paramarṣibhiḥ

pratyeyāya svakaṁ dhāma

paśyataḥ parameṣṭhinaḥ

Translation

The greatest of sages, headed by Sanaka Ṛṣi, thus perfectly worshiped and glorified Me, and as Lord Brahmā looked on, I returned to My own abode.

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.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

The Sages Worship and Glorify the Lord

  1. 1

    The greatest of sages, headed by Sanaka Ṛṣi, perfectly worshiped the Lord.

  2. 2

    They also perfectly glorified Him, expressing their devotion through praise.

  3. 3

    After receiving their worship and glorification, the Lord returned to His own abode as Lord Brahmā looked on.

Key points from the purport
  • Thus end the purports of the humble servants of His Divine Grace A.C.
  • Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda to the Eleventh Canto, Thirteenth Chapter, of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, entitled “The Haṁsa-avatāra Answers the Questions of the Sons of Brahmā.”

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

Uncertainty → Clarity. The coming separation makes the instruction personally urgent.

Chapters 10–20 of Canto 11: Kṛṣṇa's teachings on self, yoga and wisdom. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 13: The Haṁsa-avatāra Answers the Questions of the Sons of Brahmā

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Lord Haṁsa proceeded to give instructions about the categorical identity of the self, the different states of consciousness (wakeful awareness, sleep and deep sleep) and the means for conquering over material existence. The sages headed by Sanaka became freed from all their doubts by hearing the words of the Lord and worshiped Him with pure devotion in mature love of God.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 11.13
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. taiḥby them
  2. ahamI
  3. pūjitaḥworshiped
  4. saṁyakperfectly
  5. saṁstutaḥperfectly glorified
  6. parama-ṛṣibhiḥby the greatest of sages
  7. pratyeyāyaI returned
  8. svakamto My own
  9. dhāmaabode
  10. paśyataḥ parameṣṭhinaḥas Lord Brahmā looked on
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

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 11.13

    In this verse: “worshiped”, “devotion”

  • Kīrtana · Hearing and chanting

    Remembering the Lord through sacred sound. · Theme in SB 11.13

    In this verse: “glorified”

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

What small act of worship can you offer the Lord with care today?

Practice

Set aside one quiet minute today to offer the Lord a prayer of praise with your full attention.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Sages Worship and Glorify the LordThis 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 11.13.42? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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