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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 12: Creation of the Kumāras and Others
3.12.153.12.17

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.12.16

Visarga· Brahmā's creation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Lord Brahmāsince 3.12.12inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

रुद्राणां रुद्रसृष्टानां समन्ताद् ग्रसतां जगत् ।

निशाम्यासंख्यशो यूथान् प्रजापतिरशङ्कत ॥ १६ ॥

rudrāṇāṁ rudra-sṛṣṭānāṁ

samantād grasatāṁ jagat

niśāmyāsaṅkhyaśo yūthān

prajāpatir aśaṅkata

Translation

The sons and grandsons generated by Rudra were unlimited in number, and when they assembled together they attempted to devour the entire universe. When Brahmā, the father of the living entities, saw this, he became afraid of the situation.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Anger Endangers the Work of Maintenance

  1. 1

    Rudra’s sons and grandsons were unlimited in number. Assembled together, they attempted to devour the entire universe.

  2. 2

    These generations of Rudra, the incarnation of anger, endangered the maintenance of universal affairs. Even Brahmā became afraid.

  3. 3

    The purport warns that Rudra’s so-called devotees or followers can become dangerous even to Rudra himself. Some use the grace they receive from him to plan harm against him.

Key points from the purport
  • The generations of Rudra, the incarnation of anger, were so dangerous to the maintenance of universal affairs that even Brahmā, the father of the living entities, became afraid of them.
  • They are sometimes dangerous even to Rudra himself.
  • Descendants of Rudra sometimes make plans to kill Rudra — by the grace of Rudra.

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

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 12: Creation of the Kumāras and Others

Brahmā’s creation continues with sages, Rudra, sacrificial practices, religious principles, and further forms of life.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.12
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. rudrāṇāmof the sons of Rudra
  2. rudra-sṛṣṭānāmwho were generated by Rudra
  3. samantātbeing assembled together
  4. grasatāmwhile devouring
  5. jagatthe universe
  6. niśāmyaby observing their activities
  7. asaṅkhyaśaḥunlimited
  8. yūthānassembly
  9. prajā-patiḥthe father of the living entities
  10. aśaṅkatabecame afraid of
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Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Visarga · Subcreation

    How do living beings and their worlds appear? · Subject 2 of 10

  • Abhaya · Fearlessness

    Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 3.12

    In this verse: “afraid”, “dangerous”

  • Vātsalya · Parental affection

    Affection and protective concern for the Lord as a child. · Theme in SB 3.12

    In this verse: “father”

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 3.12

    In this verse: “devotees”

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

Could my anger threaten something I am responsible for maintaining?

Practice

If anger arises today, refrain from one harsh word that could harm someone who has helped you.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayAnger Endangers the Work of MaintenanceThis 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 3.12.16? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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