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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 23: Mahārāja Pṛthu’s Going Back Home
4.23.324.23.34

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 4.23.33

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 4.23.30inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

त्रि: कृत्व इदमाकर्ण्य नरो नार्यथवाद‍ृता ।

अप्रज: सुप्रजतमो निर्धनो धनवत्तम: ॥ ३३ ॥

triḥ kṛtva idam ākarṇya

naro nāry athavādṛtā

aprajaḥ su-prajatamo

nirdhano dhanavattamaḥ

Translation

It does not matter whether one is a man or woman. Anyone who, with great respect, hears this narration of Mahārāja Pṛthu will become the parent of many children if without children, and will become the richest if without money.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Respectful Hearing Benefits Everyone

  1. 1

    Whether a man or a woman, anyone who respectfully hears Pṛthu’s narration can receive its blessings. The verse promises children to the childless and wealth to those without money.

  2. 2

    Those who are materially afflicted can benefit by hearing about the Supreme Lord and His devotees without approaching demigods. The purport advises reading and understanding Pṛthu’s life and activities at least three times.

  3. 3

    The promised children are not merely numerous but well qualified. The purport describes them as endowed with education, wealth, beauty and strength.

Key points from the purport
  • Materialistic persons who are very fond of money and great families worship different demigods to attain their desires, especially Goddess Durgā, Lord Śiva and Lord Brahmā.
  • However, here it is indicated that simply by hearing of the life and character of Mahārāja Pṛthu one can have both riches and children in enormous quantities.
  • Here, however, it is stated (su-prajatamaḥ) that all the children thus attained would be qualified in education, wealth, beauty and strength — everything complete.

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

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 23: Mahārāja Pṛthu’s Going Back Home

Pṛthu practices forest austerities and fixed devotion to Kṛṣṇa, then departs; Arci’s faithful service is praised.

Back to this verse in chapter 4.23
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. triḥthrice
  2. kṛtvaḥrepeating
  3. idamthis
  4. ākarṇyahearing
  5. naraḥman
  6. nārīwoman
  7. athavāor
  8. ādṛtāin great respect
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

  • Kīrtana · Hearing and chanting

    Remembering the Lord through sacred sound. · Theme in SB 4.23

    In this verse: “narration”, “hearing”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 4.23

    In this verse: “wealth”, “materially”

  • Vātsalya · Parental affection

    Affection and protective concern for the Lord as a child. · Theme in SB 4.23

    In this verse: “children”

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

Can I bring my needs to hearing about the Lord and His devotees with genuine respect?

Practice

Begin a respectful reading of Pṛthu’s life today, noting where to continue toward three readings.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayRespectful Hearing Benefits EveryoneThis 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 4.23.33? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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