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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

1Chant the verse. Say the Sanskrit slowly and carefully.
2Read the word meanings. Go through each Sanskrit word and its meaning.
3Find the meaning yourself. Before the translation, piece the meaning together from the words.
4Read the translation. Ask: what is the Lord teaching here, and how does it apply to my life?
5Read the purport slowly. Read it two or three times. Don't rush.
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

2.8.15 2.8.17

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 2.8.16

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:The Kingsince 2.8.2inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

प्रमाणमण्डकोशस्य बाह्याभ्यन्तरभेदत: ।

महतां चानुचरितं वर्णाश्रमविनिश्चय: ॥ १६ ॥

pramāṇam aṇḍa-kośasya

bāhyābhyantara-bhedataḥ

mahatāṁ cānucaritaṁ

varṇāśrama-viniścayaḥ

Translation

Also, please describe the inner and outer space of the universe by specific divisions, as well as the character and activities of the great souls, and also the characteristics of the different classifications of the castes and orders of social life.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Knowledge Finds Its Purpose in Service

1
As a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa, Mahārāja Parīkṣit wants to understand the Lord’s creation fully. His inquiries show that pure devotion is not mere sentiment.
2
He is not satisfied with material knowledge alone. The glories of the Lord and His devotees together comprise the complete knowledge of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
3
The four social classes and four orders of life are based on individual qualities. Their value lies in developing devotional service: everyone is meant to serve the supreme whole, not claim the Lord’s position.

Key points from the purport

Mahārāja Parīkṣit is a typical devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa, and as such, he is anxious to know the complete significance of the creation of the Lord.
He is inquisitive about the character and activities of the great souls, the devotees of the Lord.
No one can artificially claim the supreme position of the Lord, but everyone is meant to serve the purpose of the supreme whole.

Śrīla Prabhupāda'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

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

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

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

pramāṇamextent and measurement
aṇḍa-kośasyaof the universe
bāhyaouter space
abhyantarainner space
bhedataḥby division of
mahatāmof the great souls
caalso
anucaritamcharacter and activities

Key ideas in this verse

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

Manvantara · The change of Manus
What gives human life its right direction? · Subject 6 of 10
Jñāna · Spiritual insight
Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 2.8
In this verse: “knowledge”, “inquiries”, “understand”
Bhakti · Devotion and loving service
How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 2.8
In this verse: “devotional service”, “devotee”
Moha · Material attachment
The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 2.8
In this verse: “material”

Chapter themes come from the story phase this chapter belongs to.

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

How can my desire for knowledge help me serve the Lord rather than seek importance?

Practice

Choose one responsibility today and perform it consciously as service to Lord Kṛṣṇa.

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayKnowledge Finds Its Purpose in 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.

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