1 · Learn4 of 6 · 5 min

Study a Verse

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

Or browse by canto and chapter
Canto

Canto 4 · The Creation of the Fourth Order · 31 chapters

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031

Choose a chapter to see all its verses.

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 25: The Descriptions of the Characteristics of King Purañjana
4.25.464.25.48

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 4.25.47

Ūti· What drives us to act
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Nārada Munisince 4.25.43inside 5 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → ViduraNārada Muni → King PrācīnabarhiThe allegory of King Purañjana → Prācīnabarhi, as listener

खद्योताविर्मुखी च प्राग्द्वारावेकत्र निर्मिते ।

विभ्राजितं जनपदं याति ताभ्यां द्युमत्सख: ॥ ४७ ॥

khadyotāvirmukhī ca prāg

dvārāv ekatra nirmite

vibhrājitaṁ janapadaṁ

yāti tābhyāṁ dyumat-sakhaḥ

Translation

The two gates named Khadyotā and Āvirmukhī were situated facing the eastern side, but they were constructed in one place. Through those two gates the King used to go to the city of Vibhrājita accompanied by a friend whose name was Dyumān.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Our Power to See Is Dependent

  1. 1

    Khadyotā and Āvirmukhī represent the two eyes; their names mean “glowworm” and “torchlight.” The purport describes the left eye as less powerful in seeing.

  2. 2

    Dyumān, the king's friend, represents the sun. The eyes depend on sunlight to see things clearly.

  3. 3

    The living entity uses the body's gates according to his will and may feel proud of seeing or hearing. Yet these abilities depend on nature's assistance.

Key points from the purport
  • The king, or the living entity, uses these two gates to see things properly, but he cannot see unless accompanied by a friend whose name is Dyumān.
  • Although the two eyes are situated in one place, they have no power to see without the sunlight.
  • If one wants to see something very clearly (vibhrājitam), he must see it with two eyes and the assistance of his friend the sunlight.

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

Worldly absorption → Sobering awareness. The mind's identification with material life becomes visible.

Chapters 24–29 of Canto 4: Śiva's song and the allegory of Purañjana. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 25: The Descriptions of the Characteristics of King Purañjana

Nārada’s allegory introduces Purañjana, his search for enjoyment, and his attraction to a woman.

Back to this verse in chapter 4.25
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. khadyotāof the name Khadyotā
  2. āvirmukhīof the name Āvirmukhī
  3. caalso
  4. prāktoward the eastern side
  5. dvārautwo gates
  6. ekatrain one place
  7. nirmitewere constructed
  8. vibhrājitamof the name Vibhrājita
3

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 4.25

    In this verse: “king”, “king's”

  • Sakhya · Sacred friendship

    The affection of companions and friends of the Lord. · Theme in SB 4.25

    In this verse: “friend”

  • Kīrtana · Hearing and chanting

    Remembering the Lord through sacred sound. · Theme in SB 4.25

    In this verse: “hearing”

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

Do I remember my dependence on nature when I feel proud of my abilities?

Practice

While looking at something in daylight, pause to acknowledge that your sight depends on light.

5

The story around it

The stories this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayOur Power to See Is DependentThis 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 4.25.47? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 5 of 11 · 2 minAsk the BhāgavatamBring your own question. Get an answer drawn only from the Bhāgavatam's translations, with every verse shown.Back · LearnCantos & stories