1 · Learn4 of 6 · 5 min

Study a Verse

Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

Or browse by canto and chapter
Canto

Canto 3 · The Status Quo · 33 chapters

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233

Choose a chapter to see all its verses.

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 21: Conversation Between Manu and Kardama
3.21.293.21.31

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.21.30

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Lordsince 3.21.24inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

त्वं च सम्यगनुष्ठाय निदेशं म उशत्तम: ।

मयि तीर्थीकृताशेषक्रियार्थो मां प्रपत्स्यसे ॥ ३० ॥

tvaṁ ca samyag anuṣṭhāya

nideśaṁ ma uśattamaḥ

mayi tīrthī-kṛtāśeṣa-

kriyārtho māṁ prapatsyase

Translation

With your heart cleansed by properly carrying out My command, resigning to Me the fruits of all your acts, you will finally attain to Me.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Sanctify Your Actions by Offering Their Results

  1. 1

    The Lord promises that properly carrying out His command will cleanse the heart. By offering Him the fruits of all actions, the devotee will finally attain Him.

  2. 2

    Whatever we do, eat or sacrifice should be offered to the Lord. He is the enjoyer of sacrifices, penances and activities for the welfare of others.

  3. 3

    Activities for family, society, country or humanity should be performed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Acting under the direction of the Lord and His representative sanctifies everything.

Key points from the purport
  • Therefore the Lord said, “In order to sanctify your activities and the results of your actions, you will offer everything unto Me.”
  • That is the instruction given by the Lord to Kardama Muni.
  • This is the indication given to Kardama Muni, who acted on it and therefore received the most excellent wife and child, as will be disclosed in later verses.

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

Longing and service → Preparedness. Family devotion turns toward higher spiritual fulfillment.

Chapters 20–24 of Canto 3: Kardama, Devahūti, family and renunciation. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 21: Conversation Between Manu and Kardama

Kardama performs penance, receives the Lord’s blessings, and welcomes Manu, who travels with his wife and daughter.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.21
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. tvamyou
  2. caand
  3. samyakproperly
  4. anuṣṭhāyahaving carried out
  5. nideśamcommand
  6. meMy
  7. uśattamaḥcompletely cleansed
  8. mayiunto Me
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Mukti · Liberation

    What is real freedom for the soul? · Subject 9 of 10

  • Śuddhi · Inner transformation

    The reorientation of the heart toward service. · Theme in SB 3.21

    In this verse: “cleansed”, “cleanse”

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 3.21

    In this verse: “devotee”

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 3.21

    In this verse: “welfare”

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

How could I perform one ordinary duty for Kṛṣṇa rather than only for my own enjoyment?

Practice

Before one task today, consciously offer both the work and its result to Kṛṣṇa.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todaySanctify Your Actions by Offering Their ResultsThis 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 3.21.30? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 5 of 11 · 2 minAsk the BhāgavatamBring your own question. Get an answer drawn only from the Bhāgavatam's translations, with every verse shown.Back · LearnCantos & stories