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Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

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Canto 5 · The Creative Impetus · 26 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 5 · Chapter 4: The Characteristics of Ṛṣabhadeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead
5.4.25.4.4

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 5.4.3

Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protection
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 5.4.1inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

यस्य हीन्द्र: स्पर्धमानो भगवान् वर्षे न ववर्ष तदवधार्य भगवानृषभदेवो योगेश्वर: प्रहस्यात्मयोगमायया स्ववर्षमजनाभं नामाभ्यवर्षत् ॥ ३ ॥

yasya hīndraḥ spardhamāno bhagavān varṣe na vavarṣa tad avadhārya bhagavān ṛṣabhadevo yogeśvaraḥ prahasyātma-yogamāyayā sva-varṣam ajanābhaṁ nāmābhyavarṣat.

Translation

Indra, the King of heaven, who is very materially opulent, became envious of King Ṛṣabhadeva. Consequently he stopped pouring water on the planet known as Bhārata-varṣa. At that time the Supreme Lord, Ṛṣabhadeva, the master of all mystic power, understood King Indra’s purpose and smiled a little. Then, by His own prowess, through yoga-māyā [His internal potency], He profusely poured water upon His own place, which was known as Ajanābha.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

The Supreme Lord Needs No Subordinate

  1. 1

    The word bhagavān can describe exceptionally opulent persons such as Indra. Ṛṣabhadeva, however, is the original Bhagavān, possessing the most powerful spiritual potency.

  2. 2

    When envious Indra withheld rain, Ṛṣabhadeva supplied abundant water through His own internal potency. The almighty Supreme Lord can act without any subordinate’s help.

  3. 3

    The purpose of yajña is to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In this Age of Kali, everyone can perform saṅkīrtana-yajña for material well-being and spiritual advancement.

Key points from the purport
  • King Ṛṣabhadeva is an incarnation of the Supreme Lord, and therefore He was the original Bhagavān.
  • Clouds and rainfall are under the management of Indra, the heavenly King, but when Indra is neglectful, the Supreme Lord Himself, who is also known as yajña or yajña-pati, takes the task upon Himself.
  • Therefore the Supreme Lord is known as almighty.

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

Responsibility → Renunciation. Leadership is set beside the renounced ideal.

Chapters 1–6 of Canto 5: Priyavrata and Ṛṣabhadeva. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 4: The Characteristics of Ṛṣabhadeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Through His own potency, Ṛṣabhadeva sumptuously covered Ajanābha with ample rain. Upon receiving Ṛṣabhadeva, who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as his son, King Nābhi began to raise Him very carefully.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 5.4
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. yasyaof whom
  2. hiindeed
  3. indraḥKing Indra of heaven
  4. spardhamānaḥbeing envious
  5. bhagavānvery opulent
  6. varṣeon Bhārata-varṣa
  7. na vavarṣadid not pour water
  8. tatthat
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Poṣaṇa · Protection by the Lord

    How does the Lord care for His devotees? · Subject 4 of 10

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 5.4

    In this verse: “materially”, “material”

  • Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership

    Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 5.4

    In this verse: “king”

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 can I make satisfying the Supreme Lord central to my spiritual practice?

Practice

Set aside a few minutes this evening for saṅkīrtana-yajña, inviting your family to join if possible.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Supreme Lord Needs No SubordinateThis 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 5.4.3? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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  2. Live
  3. Lead
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