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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 19: The Killing of the Demon Hiraṇyākṣa
3.19.33.19.5

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.19.4

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.19.1inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

स तदा लब्धतीर्थोऽपि न बबाधे निरायुधम् ।

मानयन् स मृधे धर्मं विष्वक्सेनं प्रकोपयन् ॥ ४ ॥

sa tadā labdha-tīrtho ’pi

na babādhe nirāyudham

mānayan sa mṛdhe dharmaṁ

viṣvaksenaṁ prakopayan

Translation

Even though the demon had an excellent opportunity to strike his unarmed foe without obstruction, he respected the law of single combat, thereby kindling the fury of the Supreme Lord.

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.

Respecting the Law of Single Combat

  1. 1

    The Lord was unarmed, giving the demon an unobstructed opportunity to strike.

  2. 2

    The demon did not take that opportunity, because he respected the law of single combat.

  3. 3

    His restraint in battle kindled the fury of the Supreme Lord.

How it feels

Threat and anger → Rescue and wonder. Divine protection appears amid cosmic confrontation.

Chapters 13–19 of Canto 3: Varāha, Jaya and Vijaya, Hiraṇyākṣa. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 19: The Killing of the Demon Hiraṇyākṣa

Lord Varāha defeats Hiraṇyākṣa and returns to His abode amid the demigods’ praises.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.19
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. saḥthat Hiraṇyākṣa
  2. tadāthen
  3. labdha-tīrthaḥhaving gained an excellent opportunity
  4. apialthough
  5. nanot
  6. babādheattacked
  7. nirāyudhamhaving no weapon
  8. mānayanrespecting
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Manvantara · The change of Manus

    What gives human life its right direction? · Subject 6 of 10

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

Am I willing to respect a fair rule even when breaking it would benefit me?

Practice

In one competitive situation today, follow the agreed rules rather than taking an unfair advantage.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayRespecting the Law of Single CombatThis 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 3.19.4? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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