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 6: Brahmā Satisfies Lord Śiva
4.6.214.6.23

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 4.6.22

Sthāna· The universe in order
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Conjecturing on the origin of the storm, theysince 4.5.8inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

पर्यस्तं नन्दया सत्या: स्‍नानपुण्यतरोदया ।

विलोक्य भूतेशगिरिं विबुधा विस्मयं ययु: ॥ २२ ॥

paryastaṁ nandayā satyāḥ

snāna-puṇyatarodayā

vilokya bhūteśa-giriṁ

vibudhā vismayaṁ yayuḥ

Translation

There is a small lake named Alakanandā in which Satī used to take her bath, and that lake is especially auspicious. All the demigods, after seeing the specific beauty of Kailāsa Hill, were struck with wonder at the great opulence to be found there.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Satī’s Bathing Water Is Especially Auspicious

  1. 1

    The small lake Alakanandā, where Satī used to bathe, is especially auspicious. The demigods were struck with wonder at Kailāsa’s beauty and opulence.

  2. 2

    According to Śrī-Bhāgavata-candra-candrikā, Satī’s bathing water was Ganges water; the Ganges flowed through Kailāsa-parvata.

  3. 3

    Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Ganges water rests on Lord Śiva’s head before flowing elsewhere in the universe. It is therefore quite possible that Satī’s nicely scented bathing water was Ganges water.

Key points from the purport
  • According to the commentary called Śrī-Bhāgavata-candra-candrikā, the water in which Satī used to bathe was Ganges water.
  • In other words, the Ganges flowed through the Kailāsa-parvata.
  • Since Ganges water rests on the head of Lord Śiva and then flows to the other parts of the universe, it is quite possible that the water in which Satī bathed, which was certainly very nicely scented, was Ganges water.

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

Humiliation and anger → Reconciliation. Relational offense leads to grief and destruction before restoration.

Chapters 1–7 of Canto 4: Dakṣa, Satī and Śiva. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 6: Brahmā Satisfies Lord Śiva

Brahmā and the demigods approach Lord Śiva, asking him to show mercy.

Back to this verse in chapter 4.6
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. paryastamsurrounded
  2. nandayāby the Nandā
  3. satyāḥof Satī
  4. snānaby the bathing
  5. puṇya-taraespecially favored
  6. udayāwith water
  7. vilokyaafter seeing
  8. bhūta-īśaof Bhūteśa (the lord of the ghosts, Lord Śiva)
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Sthāna · Planetary systems

    How is the universe arranged, and what is our right place in it? · Subject 3 of 10

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 does the purport deepen your understanding of Satī’s bathing lake?

Practice

Read the purport again and identify the reason it gives for accepting that Satī bathed in Ganges water.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todaySatī’s Bathing Water Is Especially AuspiciousThis 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 4.6.22? 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