1 · Learn4 of 6 · 5 min
Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 4.25.9
अत्र ते कथयिष्येऽमुमितिहासं पुरातनम् ।
पुरञ्जनस्य चरितं निबोध गदतो मम ॥ ९ ॥
atra te kathayiṣye ’mum
itihāsaṁ purātanam
purañjanasya caritaṁ
nibodha gadato mama
In this connection I wish to narrate an old history connected with the character of a king called Purañjana. Please try to hear me with great attention.
Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.ioThree study points drawn from the translation and purport.
Nārada Muni presents King Prācīnabarhiṣat’s life indirectly through the history of King Purañjana. Purañjana means “one who enjoys in a body.”
The path of karma-kāṇḍa, or fruitive activity, is difficult and risky. For the sake of future sense enjoyment, a person endures much trouble in the present.
Attachment to sense enjoyment makes the ultimate goal of life difficult to understand and can keep one from being attracted to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Nārada therefore uses a story to help the King receive his instruction.
Śrīla Prabhupāda's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.
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
Nārada’s allegory introduces Purañjana, his search for enjoyment, and his attraction to a woman.
Back to this verse in chapter 4.25Learn the Sanskrit words of the 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
Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership
Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 4.25
In this verse: “king”
Moha · Material attachment
The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 4.25
In this verse: “attachment”
Jñāna · Spiritual insight
Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 4.25
In this verse: “understand”
Chapter themes come from the story phase this chapter belongs to.
Take one thing from this verse into your day.
Is attachment to future enjoyment making it harder for me to receive spiritual instruction?
Read the translation again without distractions, then identify one trouble you accept for the sake of future sense enjoyment.
The stories this chapter belongs to.
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 4.25.9? Get an answer from the verses themselves.