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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 31: Nārada Instructs the Pracetās
4.31.264.31.28

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 4.31.27

Nirodha· Winding up
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 4.31.26inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

यो नारदादात्मविद्यामधिगम्य पुनर्महीम् ।

भुक्त्वा विभज्य पुत्रेभ्य ऐश्वरं समगात्पदम् ॥ २७ ॥

yo nāradād ātma-vidyām

adhigamya punar mahīm

bhuktvā vibhajya putrebhya

aiśvaraṁ samagāt padam

Translation

Although Mahārāja Priyavrata received instructions from the great sage Nārada, he still engaged in ruling the earth. After fully enjoying material possessions, he divided his property among his sons. He then attained a position by which he could return home, back to Godhead.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Return Home After Worldly Responsibilities

  1. 1

    Mahārāja Priyavrata received instructions from the great sage Nārada, yet still engaged in ruling the earth.

  2. 2

    After fully enjoying material possessions, he divided his property among his sons.

  3. 3

    He then attained a position from which he could return home, back to Godhead. His account ends with this spiritual destination, not with material enjoyment.

How it feels

Search → Devotional resolution. Prayer and instruction redirect household and societal life.

Chapters 30–31 of Canto 4: Pracetās and Nārada's concluding guidance. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 31: Nārada Instructs the Pracetās

The Pracetās leave home and receive Nārada’s instructions on satisfying the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Back to this verse in chapter 4.31
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. yaḥone who
  2. nāradātfrom the great sage Nārada
  3. ātma-vidyāmspiritual knowledge
  4. adhigamyaafter learning
  5. punaḥagain
  6. mahīmthe earth
  7. bhuktvāafter enjoying
  8. vibhajyaafter dividing
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Nirodha · Returning home, back to Godhead

    What happens when everything here comes to an end? · Subject 8 of 10

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 4.31

    In this verse: “material”

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

Am I keeping the goal of returning to Godhead in view amid my responsibilities?

Practice

Pause before one responsibility today and remember that material possessions are not the ultimate destination.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

6

Connected stories

Keep going: stories told elsewhere in the Bhāgavatam that this verse or its purport brings in.

Found where this verse or Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport names them. See all of chapter 4.31's connections

Live this todayReturn Home After Worldly ResponsibilitiesThis 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 4.31.27? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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