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 6: Creation of the Universal Form
3.6.103.6.12

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.6.11

Sarga· Creation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.6.11inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

अथ तस्याभितप्तस्य कतिधायतनानि ह ।

निरभिद्यन्त देवानां तानि मे गदत: श‍ृणु ॥ ११ ॥

atha tasyābhitaptasya

katidhāyatanāni ha

nirabhidyanta devānāṁ

tāni me gadataḥ śṛṇu

Translation

Maitreya said: You may now hear from me how the Supreme Lord separated Himself into the diverse forms of the demigods after the manifestation of the gigantic universal form.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Universal Management Is Entrusted Service

  1. 1

    Maitreya invites the listener to hear how the Supreme Lord manifested the diverse forms of the demigods after manifesting the universal form.

  2. 2

    The demigods are separated parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord, as are all other living entities.

  3. 3

    Living entities rich in pious acts of devotional service, whose desire to lord over material energy has vanished, are promoted to demigod posts. The Lord entrusts them with managing universal affairs.

Key points from the purport
  • The demigods are separated parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord, as are all other living entities.

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

Mystery → Cosmic wonder. The origin of the world is revealed through inquiry and divine grace.

Chapters 5–12 of Canto 3: Creation and Brahmā's bewilderment. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 6: Creation of the Universal Form

The Lord enters the material elements, manifesting the universal form with its senses, deities, and social orders.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.6
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. athatherefore
  2. tasyaHis
  3. abhitaptasyain terms of His contemplation
  4. katidhāhow many
  5. āyatanāniembodiments
  6. hathere were
  7. nirabhidyantaby separated parts
  8. devānāmof the demigods
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Sarga · The creation of the universe

    Where does the universe come from? · Subject 1 of 10

  • Viraha · Longing in separation

    Love and remembrance experienced in apparent absence. · Theme in SB 3.6

    In this verse: “separated”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 3.6

    In this verse: “material”

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 3.6

    In this verse: “devotional service”

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 see my responsibilities as opportunities to serve or opportunities to control?

Practice

Choose one responsibility today and carry it out with a conscious wish to serve rather than dominate.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayUniversal Management Is Entrusted 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 3.6.11? 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