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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 2: Dakṣa Curses Lord Śiva
4.2.94.2.11

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 4.2.10

Ūti· What drives us to act
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 4.2.4inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

अयं तु लोकपालानां यशोघ्नो निरपत्रप: ।

सद्‌भिराचरित: पन्था येन स्तब्धेन दूषित: ॥ १० ॥

ayaṁ tu loka-pālānāṁ

yaśo-ghno nirapatrapaḥ

sadbhir ācaritaḥ panthā

yena stabdhena dūṣitaḥ

Translation

Śiva has spoiled the name and fame of the governors of the universe and has polluted the path of gentle manners. Because he is shameless, he does not know how to act.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Accusations Can Also Reveal Śiva’s Glories

  1. 1

    Dakṣa wanted the sages to believe that Lord Śiva’s behavior had ruined the reputation of the demigods. The purport explains that his accusations can also carry favorable meanings.

  2. 2

    The word yaśo-ghna can suggest that Lord Śiva’s fame is so great that it eclipses all other fame.

  3. 3

    The word nirapatrapa can describe one who shelters those with no other shelter. Lord Śiva is kind to everyone and quickly satisfied, so he is called Āśutoṣa; he shelters those who cannot approach other demigods or Viṣṇu.

Key points from the purport
  • The words used against Lord Śiva by Dakṣa can also be understood in a different way, in a good sense.
  • To such men, who cannot approach other demigods or Viṣṇu, Lord Śiva gives shelter.
  • Therefore the word nirapatrapa can be used in that sense.

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

Humiliation and anger → Reconciliation. Relational offense leads to grief and destruction before restoration.

Chapters 1–7 of Canto 4: Dakṣa, Satī and Śiva. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 2: Dakṣa Curses Lord Śiva

Dakṣa insults and curses Lord Śiva at a great sacrificial assembly.

Back to this verse in chapter 4.2
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. ayamhe (Śiva)
  2. tubut
  3. loka-pālānāmof the governors of the universe
  4. yaśaḥ-ghnaḥspoiling the fame
  5. nirapatrapaḥshameless
  6. sadbhiḥby those of gentle manner
  7. ācaritaḥfollowed
  8. panthāḥthe path
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Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Ūti · The creative impetus

    Why do we act, and what keeps us bound? · Subject 5 of 10

  • Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership

    Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 4.2

    In this verse: “governors”

  • Kṛpā · Divine mercy

    Grace received beyond material calculations. · Theme in SB 4.2

    In this verse: “favorable”

  • Śaraṇāgati · Wholehearted surrender

    Relinquishing ownership while entrusting oneself to the Lord. · Theme in SB 4.2

    In this verse: “shelters”

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

Can I look beyond an accusation to recognize someone’s kindness and good qualities?

Practice

Offer one small act of kindness today to someone who is easily overlooked.

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The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayAccusations Can Also Reveal Śiva’s 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 4.2.10? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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