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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 29: Explanation of Devotional Service by Lord Kapila
3.29.423.29.44

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.29.43

Sthāna· The universe in order
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Lord Kapilasince 3.29.7inside 4 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → ViduraLord Kapila → Devahūti

नभो ददाति श्वसतां पदं यन्नियमादद: ।

लोकं स्वदेहं तनुते महान् सप्तभिरावृतम् ॥ ४३ ॥

nabho dadāti śvasatāṁ

padaṁ yan-niyamād adaḥ

lokaṁ sva-dehaṁ tanute

mahān saptabhir āvṛtam

Translation

Subject to the control of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the sky allows outer space to accommodate all the various planets, which hold innumerable living entities. The total universal body expands with its seven coverings under His supreme control.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

The Lord Provides Space for Living Entities

  1. 1

    The purport describes innumerable planets, each accommodating innumerable living entities. The necessary space is provided by the Supreme Lord’s order.

  2. 2

    The total universal body expands under the Lord’s supreme control. Its expansion is not independent of Him.

  3. 3

    The universe has seven coverings, each ten times greater than the preceding one. The purport describes the first three as earth, water and fire.

Key points from the purport
  • It is understood from this verse that all the planets in outer space are floating, and they all hold living entities.
  • In order to accommodate them, there are innumerable planets.
  • Every planet is a residence for innumerable living entities, and the necessary space is provided in the sky by the supreme order 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

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 29: Explanation of Devotional Service by Lord Kapila

Kapila explains devotional service, honoring the Lord’s presence in all beings, and the power of time.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.29
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. nabhaḥthe sky
  2. dadātigives
  3. śvasatāmto the living entities
  4. padamabode
  5. yatof whom (the Supreme Personality of Godhead)
  6. niyamātunder the control
  7. adaḥthat
  8. lokamthe universe
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Sthāna · Planetary systems

    How is the universe arranged, and what is our right place in it? · Subject 3 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

What does the Lord’s provision of space for innumerable living entities help me appreciate?

Practice

Look at the sky today and remember the Lord’s provision of space for living entities.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Lord Provides Space for Living EntitiesThis 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.

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