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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.
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Canto 4 · Chapter 25: The Descriptions of the Characteristics of King Purañjana
4.25.534.25.55

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 4.25.54

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

अन्धावमीषां पौराणां निर्वाक्पेशस्कृतावुभौ ।

अक्षण्वतामधिपतिस्ताभ्यां याति करोति च ॥ ५४ ॥

andhāv amīṣāṁ paurāṇāṁ

nirvāk-peśaskṛtāv ubhau

akṣaṇvatām adhipatis

tābhyāṁ yāti karoti ca

Translation

Of the many inhabitants of this city, there are two persons named Nirvāk and Peśaskṛt. Although King Purañjana was the ruler of citizens who possessed eyes, he unfortunately used to associate with these blind men. Accompanied by them, he used to go here and there and perform various activities.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Hands and Legs Need Guidance

  1. 1

    Nirvāk and Peśaskṛt represent the arms and legs. They are described as blind because they have no eyes to see.

  2. 2

    Simply trusting the legs to lead can cause a person to fall into a hole or strike something. Movement without sight can place life in danger.

  3. 3

    Although the living entity is master of many senses, he depends on these blind hands and legs. He must use them to go places, perform work and touch things.

Key points from the purport
  • This is a reference to the arms and legs of the living entity.
  • Consequently, the arms and legs have been described as andha, blind.
  • Although the living entity is the master of many other senses, when he has to go somewhere, do something or touch something, he has to use his blind legs and hands.

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. andhaublind
  2. amīṣāmamong those
  3. paurāṇāmof the inhabitants
  4. nirvākof the name Nirvāk
  5. peśaskṛtauof the name Peśaskṛt
  6. ubhauboth of them
  7. akṣaṇ-vatāmof the people who possessed eyes
  8. adhipatiḥruler
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”, “ruler”, “citizens”

  • Abhaya · Fearlessness

    Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 4.25

    In this verse: “danger”

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

How carefully do I guide my hands and legs while carrying out everyday activities?

Practice

During one short walk today, look carefully at your path rather than moving inattentively.

5

The story around it

The stories this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayHands and Legs Need GuidanceThis 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 4.25.54? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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