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

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Canto 3 · The Status Quo · 33 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 3 · Chapter 1: Questions by Vidura
3.1.183.1.20

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.1.19

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Vidurasince 3.1.11inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

गां पर्यटन्मेध्यविविक्तवृत्ति:

सदाप्लुतोऽध:शयनोऽवधूत: ।

अलक्षित: स्वैरवधूतवेषो

व्रतानि चेरे हरितोषणानि ॥ १९ ॥

gāṁ paryaṭan medhya-vivikta-vṛttiḥ

sadāpluto ’dhaḥ śayano ’vadhūtaḥ

alakṣitaḥ svair avadhūta-veṣo

vratāni cere hari-toṣaṇāni

Translation

While so traversing the earth, he simply performed duties to please the Supreme Lord Hari. His occupation was pure and independent. He was constantly sanctified by taking his bath in holy places, although he was in the dress of a mendicant and had no hair dressing nor a bed on which to lie. Thus he was always unseen by his various relatives.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Make Pleasing Hari Your First Duty

  1. 1

    The first and foremost duty of a pilgrim is to satisfy the Supreme Lord Hari. Vidura performed his duties with this purpose.

  2. 2

    A pilgrim should not be absorbed in pleasing society or depending on social formalities and dress. Vidura traveled simply, without concern for outward appearance or comfort.

  3. 3

    One should remain absorbed in pleasing the Lord. By becoming sanctified in thought and action, a pilgrim can realize the Supreme Lord.

Key points from the purport
  • The first and foremost duty of a pilgrim is to satisfy the Supreme Lord Hari.
  • One should remain always absorbed in the function of pleasing the Lord.
  • Thus sanctified by thought and action, one is able to realize the Supreme Lord by the process of a pilgrim’s journey.

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

Separation → Devotional remembrance. Uddhava's tears and silence make remembrance emotionally immediate.

Chapters 1–4 of Canto 3: Vidura meets Uddhava and hears of Kṛṣṇa. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 1: Questions by Vidura

Vidura leaves home, travels to holy places, and asks Uddhava about Kṛṣṇa’s associates and his relatives.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.1
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. gāmearth
  2. paryaṭantraversing
  3. medhyapure
  4. vivikta-vṛttiḥindependent occupation for living
  5. sadāalways
  6. āplutaḥsanctified
  7. adhaḥon the earth
  8. śayanaḥlying
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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

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

    Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 3.1

    In this verse: “duties”, “duty”

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

Is my attention directed more toward pleasing the Lord or gaining social approval?

Practice

Choose one act of service today and do it to please the Lord, without seeking recognition.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayMake Pleasing Hari Your First DutyThis 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 3.1.19? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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