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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
3.12.193.12.21

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.12.20

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.12.20inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

मैत्रेय उवाच

एवमात्मभुवादिष्ट: परिक्रम्य गिरां पतिम् ।

बाढमित्यमुमामन्‍त्र्य विवेश तपसे वनम् ॥ २० ॥

maitreya uvāca

evam ātmabhuvādiṣṭaḥ

parikramya girāṁ patim

bāḍham ity amum āmantrya

viveśa tapase vanam

Translation

Śrī Maitreya said: Thus Rudra, having been ordered by Brahmā, circumambulated his father, the master of the Vedas. Addressing him with words of assent, he entered the forest to perform austere penances.

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.

Respectful Acceptance Becomes Action

  1. 1

    Śrī Maitreya describes Rudra’s response to Brahmā’s instruction.

  2. 2

    Rudra circumambulated his father, who is described as the master of the Vedas. He then spoke words of assent.

  3. 3

    Rudra entered the forest to perform austere penances. His acceptance of the instruction was followed by action.

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
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. maitreyaḥ uvācaŚrī Maitreya said
  2. evamthus
  3. ātma-bhuvāby Brahmā
  4. ādiṣṭaḥbeing so requested
  5. parikramyaby circumambulating
  6. girāmof the Vedas
  7. patimunto the master
  8. bāḍhamthat is right
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Īśānukathā · The science of God

    Who is the Lord, and how do His devotees live? · Subject 7 of 10

  • Vātsalya · Parental affection

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

    In this verse: “father”

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

Do I follow respectful agreement with a concrete action?

Practice

Take one small step today to carry out a beneficial instruction you have already accepted.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayRespectful Acceptance Becomes ActionThis 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 3.12.20? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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