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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
3.12.293.12.31

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.12.30

Ūti· What drives us to act
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

नैतत्पूर्वै: कृतं त्वद्ये न करिष्यन्ति चापरे ।

यस्त्वं दुहितरं गच्छेरनिगृह्याङ्गजं प्रभु: ॥ ३० ॥

naitat pūrvaiḥ kṛtaṁ tvad ye

na kariṣyanti cāpare

yas tvaṁ duhitaraṁ gaccher

anigṛhyāṅgajaṁ prabhuḥ

Translation

O father, this performance in which you are endeavoring to complicate yourself was never attempted by any other Brahmā, nor by anyone else, nor by you in previous kalpas, nor will anyone dare to attempt it in the future. You are the supreme being in the universe, so how is it that you want to have sex with your daughter and cannot control your desire?

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
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Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

High Responsibility Requires Exemplary Conduct

  1. 1

    Brahmā’s sons challenged his uncontrolled desire toward his daughter. They described such conduct as unprecedented and unworthy of his position.

  2. 2

    The post of Brahmā is the highest in the universe. The purport also indicates that there are many Brahmās and many universes.

  3. 3

    The person holding this post must be ideal in behavior because he sets an example for all living entities. Even this most elevated living entity holds a position below the Personality of Godhead.

Key points from the purport
  • The post of Brahmā is the supermost post in the universe, and it appears that there are many Brahmās and many universes besides the one in which we are situated.
  • One who fills this post must be ideal in behavior, for Brahmā sets the example for all living entities.
  • Brahmā, the living entity who is the most pious and spiritually elevated, is entrusted with a post next to that of the Personality of Godhead.

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. nanever
  2. etatsuch a thing
  3. pūrvaiḥby any other Brahmā, or yourself in any previous kalpa
  4. kṛtamperformed
  5. tvatby you
  6. yethat which
  7. nanor
  8. kariṣyantiwill do
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Ūti · The creative impetus

    Why do we act, and what keeps us bound? · Subject 5 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

What example does your conduct set for those who look to you?

Practice

Choose one responsibility today and carry it out with particular care for the example you set.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayHigh Responsibility Requires Exemplary ConductThis 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 3.12.30? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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