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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 33: Activities of Kapila
3.33.163.33.18

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.33.17

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.33.12inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

स्वच्छस्फटिककुड्येषु महामारकतेषु च ।

रत्नप्रदीपा आभान्ति ललना रत्नसंयुता: ॥ १७ ॥

svaccha-sphaṭika-kuḍyeṣu

mahā-mārakateṣu ca

ratna-pradīpā ābhānti

lalanā ratna-saṁyutāḥ

Translation

The walls of the house were made of first-class marble, decorated with valuable jewels. There was no need of light, for the household was illuminated by the rays of these jewels. The female members of the household were all amply decorated with jewelry.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Household Possessions With Lasting Value

  1. 1

    The marble walls were decorated with valuable jewels whose rays illuminated the house. The women of the household were also richly adorned with jewelry.

  2. 2

    Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that household articles in Vedic civilization had actual value, including furniture, utensils, ornaments and garments.

  3. 3

    Such possessions could be exchanged for money in times of need. Even broken or unwanted household articles would not be without value.

Key points from the purport
  • It is understood from this statement that the opulences of household life were exhibited in valuable jewels, ivory, first-class marble, and furniture made of gold and jewels.
  • The way of Vedic civilization is that whatever was used in household affairs had to be valuable.
  • They keep metal utensils and golden ornaments or silver plates and valuable silk garments with gold embroidery, and in case of need, they can have some money in exchange immediately.

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 33: Activities of Kapila

Devahūti follows Kapila’s instructions and attains liberation; Kapila travels onward and receives prayers and offerings.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.33
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. svacchapure
  2. sphaṭikamarble
  3. kuḍyeṣuon the walls
  4. mahā-mārakateṣudecorated with valuable emeralds
  5. caand
  6. ratna-pradīpāḥjewel lamps
  7. ābhāntishine
  8. lalanāḥwomen
  9. ratnawith jewelry
  10. saṁyutāḥdecorated
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 3.33

    In this verse: “household”

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

Do I consider lasting value when choosing household possessions?

Practice

Examine one household item today and consider its lasting usefulness and exchange value.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayHousehold Possessions With Lasting ValueThis 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 3.33.17? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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