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

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Canto 12 · The Age of Deterioration · 13 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 12 · Chapter 11: Summary Description of the Mahāpuruṣa
12.11.4612.11.49

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Texts 12.11.47-48

Sthāna· The universe in order
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Sūta Gosvāmīsince 12.11.29inside 1 frame: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya

सामर्ग्यजुर्भिस्तल्ल‍िङ्गैऋर्षय: संस्तुवन्त्यमुम् ।

गन्धर्वास्तं प्रगायन्ति नृत्यन्त्यप्सरसोऽग्रत: ॥ ४७ ॥

उन्नह्यन्ति रथं नागा ग्रामण्यो रथयोजका: ।

चोदयन्ति रथं पृष्ठे नैऋर्ता बलशालिन: ॥ ४८ ॥

sāmarg-yajurbhis tal-liṅgair

ṛṣayaḥ saṁstuvanty amum

gandharvās taṁ pragāyanti

nṛtyanty apsaraso ’grataḥ

unnahyanti rathaṁ nāgā

grāmaṇyo ratha-yojakāḥ

codayanti rathaṁ pṛṣṭhe

nairṛtā bala-śālinaḥ

Translation

While the sages glorify the sun-god with the hymns of the Sāma, Ṛg and Yajur Vedas, which reveal his identity, the Gandharvas also sing his praises and the Apsarās dance before his chariot. The Nāgas arrange the chariot ropes and the Yakṣas harness the horses to the chariot, while the powerful Rākṣasas push from behind.

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.

Different Roles in Glorification and Service

  1. 1

    The sages glorify the sun-god with hymns of the Sāma, Ṛg and Yajur Vedas, which reveal his identity.

  2. 2

    The Gandharvas sing his praises, and the Apsarās dance before his chariot.

  3. 3

    The Nāgas arrange the chariot ropes, the Yakṣas harness the horses, and the powerful Rākṣasas push from behind. Each group has a distinct role.

How it feels

Wonder → Benediction and peace. The work closes by exalting hearing and remembering the Lord.

Chapters 11–13 of Canto 12: The Mahāpuruṣa and the glories of Bhāgavatam. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 11: Summary Description of the Mahāpuruṣa

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Sages describe this sun-god in many features according to his different material designations. To sustain the world, the Personality of Godhead manifests His potency of time as the sun and travels throughout the twelve months, beginning with Caitra, along with twelve sets of personal associates.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 12.11
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. sāma-ṛk-yajurbhiḥwith the hymns of the Sāma, Ṛg and Yajur Vedas
  2. tat-liṅgaiḥwhich reveal the sun
  3. ṛṣayaḥthe sages
  4. saṁstuvantiglorify
  5. amumhim
  6. gandharvāḥthe Gandharvas
  7. tamabout him
  8. pragāyantising loudly
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Sthāna · Planetary systems

    How is the universe arranged, and what is our right place in it? · Subject 3 of 10

  • Kīrtana · Hearing and chanting

    Remembering the Lord through sacred sound. · Theme in SB 12.11

    In this verse: “glorify”

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 value both praise and practical work as ways to serve?

Practice

Do one small practical task today in a spirit of service, without seeking attention.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayDifferent Roles in Glorification and ServiceThis 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 12.11.47-48? Get an answer from the verses themselves.