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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.
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Canto 3 · Chapter 11: Calculation of Time, from the Atom
3.11.103.11.12

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.11.11

Sthāna· The universe in order
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.10.11inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

तयो: समुच्चयो मास: पितृणां तदहर्निशम् ।

द्वौ तावृतु: षडयनं दक्षिणं चोत्तरं दिवि ॥ ११ ॥

tayoḥ samuccayo māsaḥ

pitṝṇāṁ tad ahar-niśam

dvau tāv ṛtuḥ ṣaḍ ayanaṁ

dakṣiṇaṁ cottaraṁ divi

Translation

The aggregate of two fortnights is one month, and that period is one complete day and night for the Pitā planets. Two of such months comprise one season, and six months comprise one complete movement of the sun from south to north.

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.

Time Is Measured Differently on Different Planets

  1. 1

    Two fortnights together make one month. This month is one complete day and night for the Pitā planets.

  2. 2

    Two months make one season.

  3. 3

    Six months comprise one complete movement of the sun from south to north.

How it feels

Mystery → Cosmic wonder. The origin of the world is revealed through inquiry and divine grace.

Chapters 5–12 of Canto 3: Creation and Brahmā's bewilderment. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 11: Calculation of Time, from the Atom

Maitreya describes time from atomic measurements to Brahmā’s lifespan, along with cycles of creation and devastation.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.11
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. tayoḥof them
  2. samuccayaḥaggregate
  3. māsaḥmonth
  4. pitṝṇāmof the Pitā planets
  5. tatthat (month)
  6. ahaḥ-niśamday and night
  7. dvautwo
  8. taumonths
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

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

How does this description broaden your understanding of a day and night?

Practice

Write down the three measures given here: one month, one season, and one six-month solar movement.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayTime Is Measured Differently on Different PlanetsThis 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 3.11.11? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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