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

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Canto 2 · The Cosmic Manifestation · 10 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 2 · Chapter 8: Questions by King Parīkṣit
2.8.102.8.12

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 2.8.11

Sthāna· The universe in order
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Kingsince 2.8.2inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

पुरुषावयवैर्लोका: सपाला: पूर्वकल्पिता: ।

लोकैरमुष्यावयवा: सपालैरिति शुश्रुम ॥ ११ ॥

puruṣāvayavair lokāḥ

sapālāḥ pūrva-kalpitāḥ

lokair amuṣyāvayavāḥ

sa-pālair iti śuśruma

Translation

O learned brāhmaṇa, it was formerly explained that all the planets of the universe with their respective governors are situated in the different parts of the gigantic body of the virāṭ-puruṣa. I have also heard that the different planetary systems are supposed to be in the gigantic body of the virāṭ-puruṣa. But what is their actual position? Will you please explain that?

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Seek Clarity About the Universal Form

  1. 1

    The planets and their respective governors are described as situated in different parts of the gigantic body of the virāṭ-puruṣa.

  2. 2

    The planetary systems are also described as being within this gigantic body. The question asks what their actual position is.

  3. 3

    Having heard these descriptions, the speaker respectfully asks the learned brāhmaṇa for further explanation.

How it feels

Inquiry → Conviction. Divine knowledge resolves fundamental cosmic uncertainty.

Chapters 8–10 of Canto 2: Parīkṣit questions; Brahmā receives revelation. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 8: Questions by King Parīkṣit

Parīkṣit requests further hearing about Kṛṣṇa and asks questions about creation, time, duty, and devotional service.

Back to this verse in chapter 2.8
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. puruṣathe universal form of the Lord ( virāṭ-puruṣaḥ)
  2. avayavaiḥby different parts of the body
  3. lokāḥthe planetary system
  4. sa-pālāḥwith respective governors
  5. pūrvaformerly
  6. kalpitāḥdiscussed
  7. lokaiḥby the different planetary systems
  8. amuṣyaHis
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 2.8

    In this verse: “heard”

  • Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership

    Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 2.8

    In this verse: “governors”

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

When a description is unclear to me, do I seek a fuller explanation?

Practice

Write one precise question you have about the planets’ position in the virāṭ-puruṣa.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todaySeek Clarity About the Universal FormThis 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 2.8.11? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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