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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
3.8.303.8.32

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.8.31

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

निवीतमाम्नायमधुव्रतश्रिया

स्वकीर्तिमय्या वनमालया हरिम् ।

सूर्येन्दुवाय्वग्‍न्यगमं त्रिधामभि:

परिक्रमत्प्राधनिकैर्दुरासदम् ॥ ३१ ॥

nivītam āmnāya-madhu-vrata-śriyā

sva-kīrti-mayyā vana-mālayā harim

sūryendu-vāyv-agny-agamaṁ tri-dhāmabhiḥ

parikramat-prādhanikair durāsadam

Translation

Lord Brahmā, thus looking upon the Lord in the shape of a mountain, concluded that He was Hari, the Personality of Godhead. He saw that the garland of flowers on His chest glorified Him with Vedic wisdom in sweet songs and looked very beautiful. He was protected by the Sudarśana wheel for fighting, and even the sun, moon, air, fire, etc., could not have access to Him.

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.

Recognizing Hari and His Glories

  1. 1

    Looking upon the Lord in the shape of a mountain, Lord Brahmā recognized Him as Hari, the Personality of Godhead.

  2. 2

    The beautiful flower garland on His chest glorified Him with Vedic wisdom in sweet songs.

  3. 3

    The Lord was protected by the Sudarśana wheel. Even the sun, moon, air and fire could not approach Him.

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. nivītamso being enclosed
  2. āmnāyaVedic wisdom
  3. madhu-vrata-śriyāsweet sound in beauty
  4. sva-kīrti-mayyāby His own glories
  5. vana-mālayāflower garland
  6. harimunto the Lord
  7. sūryathe sun
  8. induthe moon
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

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 3.8

    In this verse: “wisdom”

  • Kīrtana · Hearing and chanting

    Remembering the Lord through sacred sound. · Theme in SB 3.8

    In this verse: “glorified”

  • Prema · Transcendental love

    The intimacy and sweetness of devotion to Kṛṣṇa. · Theme in SB 3.8

    In this verse: “sweet”

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What draws your attention to the Lord’s greatness in Brahmā’s vision?

Practice

Read the translation slowly, then offer one sentence of praise to Hari.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayRecognizing Hari and His GloriesThis 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 3.8.31? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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