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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 8: Manifestation of Brahmā from Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu
3.8.273.8.29

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.8.28

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.8.1inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

कदम्बकिञ्जल्कपिशङ्गवाससा

स्वलंकृतं मेखलया नितम्बे ।

हारेण चानन्तधनेन वत्स

श्रीवत्सवक्ष:स्थलवल्लभेन ॥ २८ ॥

kadamba-kiñjalka-piśaṅga-vāsasā

svalaṅkṛtaṁ mekhalayā nitambe

hāreṇa cānanta-dhanena vatsa

śrīvatsa-vakṣaḥ-sthala-vallabhena

Translation

O my dear Vidura, the Lord’s waist was covered with yellow cloth resembling the saffron dust of the kadamba flower, and it was encircled by a well-decorated belt. His chest was decorated with the śrīvatsa marking and a necklace of unlimited value.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Remembering the Lord’s Dress and Ornaments

  1. 1

    The Lord’s waist was covered with yellow cloth resembling the saffron dust of the kadamba flower.

  2. 2

    A well-decorated belt encircled His waist.

  3. 3

    His chest bore the śrīvatsa marking and a necklace of unlimited value.

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 8: Manifestation of Brahmā from Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu

Brahmā searches for his origin upon the lotus arising from Viṣṇu and beholds the Lord.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.8
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. kadamba-kiñjalkasaffron dust of the kadamba flower
  2. piśaṅgadress of the color
  3. vāsasāby clothing
  4. su-alaṅkṛtamwell decorated
  5. mekhalayāby the belt
  6. nitambeon the waist
  7. hāreṇaby the garland
  8. caalso
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

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

Which of these details can help me remember the Lord’s form?

Practice

Read the description once, then close your eyes briefly and recall the Lord’s yellow cloth, belt and decorated chest.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayRemembering the Lord’s Dress and OrnamentsThis 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 3.8.28? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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