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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 28: Kapila’s Instructions on the Execution of Devotional Service
3.28.133.28.15

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.28.14

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Personality of Godheadsince 3.28.1inside 4 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → ViduraLord Kapila → Devahūti

लसत्पङ्कजकिञ्जल्कपीतकौशेयवाससम् ।

श्रीवत्सवक्षसं भ्राजत्कौस्तुभामुक्तकन्धरम् ॥ १४ ॥

lasat-paṅkaja-kiñjalka-

pīta-kauśeya-vāsasam

śrīvatsa-vakṣasaṁ bhrājat

kaustubhāmukta-kandharam

Translation

His loins are covered by a shining cloth, yellowish like the filaments of a lotus. On His breast He bears the mark of Śrīvatsa, a curl of white hair. The brilliant Kaustubha gem is suspended from His neck.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

The Lord’s Dress Reveals His Wealth

  1. 1

    The Supreme Lord wears shining saffron-yellow cloth, like the pollen of a lotus flower.

  2. 2

    His breast bears Śrīvatsa, a curl of white hair, and the brilliant Kaustubha gem hangs from His neck. His neck is beautifully decorated with jewels and pearls.

  3. 3

    The Lord is full in six opulences, including wealth. His valuable jewels are not visible within this material world.

Key points from the purport
  • The exact color of the garment of the Supreme Lord is described as saffron-yellow, just like the pollen of a lotus flower.
  • The Kaustubha gem hanging on His chest is also described.
  • His neck is beautifully decorated with jewels and pearls.

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

Entanglement → Insight and liberation. Inquiry matures into instruction in devotion and spiritual nature.

Chapters 25–33 of Canto 3: Kapila instructs Devahūti. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 28: Kapila’s Instructions on the Execution of Devotional Service

Kapila teaches disciplined yoga and devoted meditation upon the Lord’s eternal form.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.28
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. lasatshining
  2. paṅkajaof a lotus
  3. kiñjalkafilaments
  4. pītayellow
  5. kauśeyasilk cloth
  6. vāsasamwhose garment
  7. śrīvatsabearing the mark of Śrīvatsa
  8. vakṣasambreast
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

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 3.28

    In this verse: “wealth”, “material”

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 does this description deepen my appreciation of the Supreme Lord’s wealth?

Practice

Read the translation once more, pausing to remember His yellow garment, Śrīvatsa and Kaustubha gem.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Lord’s Dress Reveals His WealthThis 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 3.28.14? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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