1 · Learn4 of 6 · 5 min

Study a Verse

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

Or browse by canto and chapter
Canto

Canto 11 · General History · 31 chapters

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031

Choose a chapter to see all its verses.

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 27: Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Instructions on the Process of Deity Worship
11.27.4911.27.51

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 11.27.50

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Supreme Personality of Godheadsince 11.27.6inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitLord Kṛṣṇa → Uddhava

मदर्चां सम्प्रतिष्ठाप्य मन्दिरं कारयेद् द‍ृढम् ।

पुष्पोद्यानानि रम्याणि पूजायात्रोत्सवाश्रितान् ॥ ५० ॥

mad-arcāṁ sampratiṣṭhāpya

mandiraṁ kārayed dṛḍham

puṣpodyānāni ramyāṇi

pūjā-yātrotsavāśritān

Translation

The devotee should more fully establish My Deity by solidly constructing a temple, along with beautiful gardens. These gardens should be set aside to provide flowers for the regular daily worship, special Deity processions and holiday observances.

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.

Build Lasting Places for Deity Worship

  1. 1

    The Deity should be properly established in a strongly constructed temple. The purport calls for the most solid means of construction.

  2. 2

    Beautiful gardens should provide flowers for daily worship, special Deity processions and holiday observances.

  3. 3

    Wealthy, pious persons should be engaged in constructing temples and gardens for the pleasure of the Deity.

Key points from the purport
  • Wealthy, pious persons should be engaged in constructing temples and gardens for the pleasure of the Deity.
  • The word dṛḍham indicates that the most solid means of construction should be employed.

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

Striving → Complete devotional trust. The Lord redirects Uddhava toward enduring loving service.

Chapters 21–29 of Canto 11: Spiritual practice culminating in bhakti-yoga. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 27: Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Instructions on the Process of Deity Worship

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Included in this method of Deity worship are the proper installation of the transcendental Deity by constructing a fine temple, and also the conducting of processions and other festivals. By worshiping Lord Śrī Hari with unconditional devotion in this manner, one gains access to pure loving service to His lotus feet.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 11.27
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. mat-arcāmMy Deity form
  2. sampratiṣṭhāpyaproperly establishing
  3. mandirama temple
  4. kārayethe should construct
  5. dṛḍhamstrong
  6. puṣpa-udyānāniflower gardens
  7. ramyāṇibeautiful
  8. pūjāfor regular, daily worship
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Mukti · Liberation

    What is real freedom for the soul? · Subject 9 of 10

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 11.27

    In this verse: “devotee”, “worship”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 11.27

    In this verse: “wealthy”

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 could I help care for a temple or garden meant for the Deity’s pleasure?

Practice

Offer a small contribution or a little time toward maintaining a temple or its flower garden.

Live this todayBuild Lasting Places for Deity WorshipThis 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 11.27.50? Get an answer from the verses themselves.