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Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

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Canto 4 · The Creation of the Fourth Order · 31 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 4 · Chapter 16: Praise of King Pṛthu by the Professional Reciters
4.16.84.16.10

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 4.16.9

Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protection
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The reciterssince 4.16.2inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

आप्याययत्यसौ लोकं वदनामृतमूर्तिना ।

सानुरागावलोकेन विशदस्मितचारुणा ॥ ९ ॥

āpyāyayaty asau lokaṁ

vadanāmṛta-mūrtinā

sānurāgāvalokena

viśada-smita-cāruṇā

Translation

This King, Pṛthu Mahārāja, by virtue of his affectionate glances and beautiful moonlike face, which is always smiling with great affection for the citizens, will enhance everyone’s peaceful life.

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.

Affection Helps Others Live Peacefully

  1. 1

    Pṛthu would look upon his citizens with affection. His care would be visible in his glances.

  2. 2

    His beautiful face is described as moonlike and always smiling with great affection for the citizens.

  3. 3

    Through this affectionate presence, Pṛthu would enhance everyone’s peaceful life.

How it feels

Anger and disorder → Duty and devotion. Kingship shifts from domination to stewardship and renunciation.

Chapters 13–23 of Canto 4: Vena and Pṛthu: power, the Earth and stewardship. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 16: Praise of King Pṛthu by the Professional Reciters

Reciters describe Pṛthu’s future protection of citizens, service to devotees, and meeting with Sanat-kumāra.

Back to this verse in chapter 4.16
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. āpyāyayatienhances
  2. asauhe
  3. lokamthe whole world
  4. vadanaby his face
  5. amṛta-mūrtināmoonlike
  6. sa-anurāgaaffectionate
  7. avalokenawith glances
  8. viśadabright
  9. smitasmiling
  10. cāruṇābeautiful
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Poṣaṇa · Protection by the Lord

    How does the Lord care for His devotees? · Subject 4 of 10

  • Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership

    Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 4.16

    In this verse: “king”, “citizens”

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

Does my expression help others feel welcomed and peaceful?

Practice

Greet someone today with a gentle smile and sincere affection.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayAffection Helps Others Live PeacefullyThis 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 4.16.9? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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