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 22: The Marriage of Kardama Muni and Devahūti
3.22.29-303.22.32

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.22.31

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.22.21inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

कुशकाशमयं बर्हिरास्तीर्य भगवान्मनु: ।

अयजद्यज्ञपुरुषं लब्धा स्थानं यतो भुवम् ॥ ३१ ॥

kuśa-kāśamayaṁ barhir

āstīrya bhagavān manuḥ

ayajad yajña-puruṣaṁ

labdhā sthānaṁ yato bhuvam

Translation

Manu spread a seat of kuśas and kāśas and worshiped the Lord, the Personality of Godhead, by whose grace he had obtained the rule of the terrestrial globe.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Use the Lord’s Gifts in His Service

  1. 1

    Manu acknowledged his kingdom and opulence as gifts from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He expressed his gratitude by worshiping Him and engaging in devotional service.

  2. 2

    Wealth, good birth, beauty and education come through the Supreme Lord’s mercy. Such gifts should be used in His service rather than treated as independently obtained possessions.

  3. 3

    The mission of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is for everyone to acknowledge Lord Kṛṣṇa’s supremacy as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Devotional service for His pleasure is the way to happiness and peace.

Key points from the purport
  • Those who are in a better position in the world, having sufficient wealth, should especially take lessons from Manu, who acknowledged his kingdom and opulence to be gifts from the Supreme Personality of Godhead and thus always engaged in devotional service.
  • Similarly, the descendants of Manu, or human beings, especially those who are situated in a well-to-do condition, must consider that whatever riches they have are gifts from the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
  • If one wants to be happy and peaceful in his position, either as a householder or citizen or member of human society, one must promote devotional service for the pleasure of the Lord.

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 22: The Marriage of Kardama Muni and Devahūti

Kardama marries Devahūti with plans for later renunciation, and Manu returns home absorbed in Vāsudeva.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.22
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. kuśaof kuśa grass
  2. kāśaand of kāśa grass
  3. mayammade
  4. barhiḥa seat
  5. āstīryahaving spread
  6. bhagavānthe greatly fortunate
  7. manuḥSvāyambhuva Manu
  8. ayajatworshiped
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

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 3.22

    In this verse: “worshiped”, “devotional service”, “worshiping”

  • Kṛpā · Divine mercy

    Grace received beyond material calculations. · Theme in SB 3.22

    In this verse: “grace”, “mercy”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 3.22

    In this verse: “wealth”

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

Which gift in my life can I use more consciously for Kṛṣṇa’s pleasure?

Practice

Choose one resource or ability you have received and use it in a small act of devotional service today.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayUse the Lord’s Gifts in His ServiceThis 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 3.22.31? 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