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 32: Entanglement in Fruitive Activities
3.32.83.32.10

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.32.9

Nirodha· Winding up
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Personality of Godheadsince 3.32.1inside 4 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → ViduraLord Kapila → Devahūti

क्ष्माम्भोऽनलानिलवियन्मनइन्द्रियार्थ-

भूतादिभि: परिवृतं प्रतिसञ्जिहीर्षु: ।

अव्याकृतं विशति यर्हि गुणत्रयात्मा

कालं पराख्यमनुभूय पर: स्वयम्भू: ॥ ९ ॥

kṣmāmbho-’nalānila-viyan-mana-indriyārtha-

bhūtādibhiḥ parivṛtaṁ pratisañjihīrṣuḥ

avyākṛtaṁ viśati yarhi guṇa-trayātmā

kālaṁ parākhyam anubhūya paraḥ svayambhūḥ

Translation

After experiencing the inhabitable time of the three modes of material nature, known as two parārdhas, Lord Brahmā closes the material universe, which is covered by layers of earth, water, air, fire, ether, mind, ego, etc., and goes back to Godhead.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

The Spiritual World Remains Unchanged

  1. 1

    The material world is subject to change and finally dissolves. Even Brahmā’s rule over the universe takes place under the influence of time.

  2. 2

    The spiritual world remains after the material world dissolves. It is called avyākṛta, that which does not change, and is the abode of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

  3. 3

    At the end of two parārdhas, Brahmā closes the material universe and goes back to Godhead. Others enter the kingdom of God with him.

Key points from the purport
  • The word avyākṛtam is very significant in this verse.
  • But after the dissolution of this material world, the manifestation of the spiritual world, the sanātana-dhāma, remains.
  • When, after ruling over the material universe under the influence of the time element, Lord Brahmā desires to dissolve it and enter into the kingdom of God, others then enter with him.

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 32: Entanglement in Fruitive Activities

Kapila contrasts temporary material rewards with the knowledge and detachment gained through devotional service to Kṛṣṇa.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.32
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. kṣmāearth
  2. ambhaḥwater
  3. analafire
  4. anilaair
  5. viyatether
  6. manaḥmind
  7. indriyathe senses
  8. arthathe objects of the senses
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Nirodha · Returning home, back to Godhead

    What happens when everything here comes to an end? · Subject 8 of 10

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 3.32

    In this verse: “material”

  • Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership

    Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 3.32

    In this verse: “kingdom”

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 the enduring spiritual world change my view of temporary material achievements?

Practice

Notice one change in your surroundings today and use it as a reminder that the Lord’s spiritual abode does not change.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Spiritual World Remains UnchangedThis 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 3.32.9? 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