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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

1Chant the verse. Say the Sanskrit slowly and carefully.
2Read the word meanings. Go through each Sanskrit word and its meaning.
3Find the meaning yourself. Before the translation, piece the meaning together from the words.
4Read the translation. Ask: what is the Lord teaching here, and how does it apply to my life?
5Read the purport slowly. Read it two or three times. Don't rush.
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 9: Dhruva Mahārāja Returns Home

4.9.37 4.9.39-40

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 4.9.38

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 4.9.36inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

श्रद्धाय वाक्यं देवर्षेर्हर्षवेगेन धर्षित: । वार्ताहर्तुरतिप्रीतो हारं प्रादान्महाधनम् ॥ ३८ ॥

śraddhāya vākyaṁ devarṣer

harṣa-vegena dharṣitaḥ

vārtā-hartur atiprīto

hāraṁ prādān mahā-dhanam

Translation

Although he could not believe the words of the messenger, he had full faith in the word of the great sage Nārada. Thus he was greatly overwhelmed by the news, and he immediately offered the messenger a highly valuable necklace in great satisfaction.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

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

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Faith Opened the Way to Joy

1
Although the King doubted the messenger’s words, he had full faith in the words of the great sage Nārada.
2
The news of his son’s return overwhelmed him with satisfaction.
3
In his happiness, the King immediately gave the messenger a highly valuable necklace.

How it feels

Rejection → Transformed aspiration. A child's wounded pride is purified by divine encounter.

Chapters 8–12 of Canto 4: Dhruva seeks and encounters the Lord. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Chapter 9: Dhruva Mahārāja Returns Home

The Lord grants Dhruva’s desire; Dhruva regrets his former hostility and returns to his family.

Back to this verse in chapter 4.9

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

śraddhāyakeeping faith
vākyamin the words
devarṣeḥof the great sage Nārada
harṣa-vegenaby great satisfaction
dharṣitaḥoverwhelmed
vārtā-hartuḥwith the messenger who brought the news
atiprītaḥbeing very satisfied
hārama pearl necklace
prādātoffered
mahā-dhanamvery valuable

Key ideas in this 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 4.9
In this verse: “king”

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

How does trust in spiritual guidance help me receive good news?

Practice

Express sincere thanks to someone who has brought you encouraging news.

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayFaith Opened the Way to JoyThis 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 4.9.38? Get an answer from the verses themselves.

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