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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
3.12.73.12.9

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.12.8

Visarga· Brahmā's creation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.12.1inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

स वै रुरोद देवानां पूर्वजो भगवान् भव: ।

नामानि कुरु मे धात: स्थानानि च जगद्गुरो ॥ ८ ॥

sa vai ruroda devānāṁ

pūrvajo bhagavān bhavaḥ

nāmāni kuru me dhātaḥ

sthānāni ca jagad-guro

Translation

After his birth he began to cry: O destiny maker, teacher of the universe, kindly designate my name and place.

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.

A Cry for Name and Place

  1. 1

    After his birth, the child began to cry.

  2. 2

    He addressed his teacher as the destiny maker and teacher of the universe.

  3. 3

    He asked kindly to be given a name and a 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
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. saḥhe
  2. vaicertainly
  3. rurodacried loudly
  4. devānām pūrvajaḥthe eldest of all demigods
  5. bhagavānthe most powerful
  6. bhavaḥLord Śiva
  7. nāmānidifferent names
  8. kurudesignate
3

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

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 3.12

    In this verse: “kindly”

  • Vātsalya · Parental affection

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

    In this verse: “child”

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

Can I express my need for guidance plainly and respectfully?

Practice

If you need guidance today, make one clear, respectful request for help.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayA Cry for Name and PlaceThis 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 3.12.8? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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