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 7 · The Science of God · 15 chapters

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 ›

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Texts 7.14.27-28

Who is speaking and story frame

अथ देशान्प्रवक्ष्यामि धर्मादिश्रेयआवहान् ।

स वै पुण्यतमो देश: सत्पात्रं यत्र लभ्यते ॥ २७ ॥

बिम्बं भगवतो यत्र सर्वमेतच्चराचरम् ।

यत्र ह ब्राह्मणकुलं तपोविद्यादयान्वितम् ॥ २८ ॥

atha deśān pravakṣyāmi

dharmādi-śreya-āvahān

sa vai puṇyatamo deśaḥ

sat-pātraṁ yatra labhyate

bimbaṁ bhagavato yatra

sarvam etac carācaram

yatra ha brāhmaṇa-kulaṁ

tapo-vidyā-dayānvitam

Translation

Nārada Muni continued: Now I shall describe the places where religious performances may be well executed. Any place where a Vaiṣṇava is available is an excellent place for all auspicious activities. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is the support of this entire cosmic manifestation, with all its moving and nonmoving living entities, and the temple where the Deity of the Lord is installed is a most sacred place. Furthermore, places where learned brāhmaṇas observe Vedic principles by means of austerity, education and mercy are also most auspicious and sacred.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Seek Sacred Places of Kṛṣṇa’s Service

  1. 1

    Any place where a Vaiṣṇava is present is excellent for auspicious activities. Places where learned brāhmaṇas practice austerity, education and mercy are also sacred.

  2. 2

    The Supreme Personality of Godhead supports the entire cosmic manifestation. A temple where Kṛṣṇa is worshiped and Vaiṣṇavas serve Him is the best sacred place for religious ceremonies.

  3. 3

    Those unable to establish a Deity or temple at home can use the centers and temples of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. These places give everyone an opportunity to advance in spiritual life by becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious.

Key points from the purport
  • In this verse it is indicated that a Vaiṣṇava temple where the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, is worshiped, and where Vaiṣṇavas are engaged in the service of the Lord, is the best sacred place for performing any religious ceremonies.
  • Under the circumstances, therefore, the centers and temples being established by the expanding Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement are the best sacred places for performing religious ceremonies.
  • Although people in general are no longer interested in religious ceremonies or Deity worship, the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement gives everyone the chance to advance in spiritual life by becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious.

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

Seriousness → Principled living. The example of bhakti becomes a guide to daily life.

Chapters 11–15 of Canto 7: Teachings on social and spiritual conduct. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 14: Ideal Family Life

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Whatever money a gṛhastha accumulates by the grace of God he should spend in five activities, namely worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, receiving Vaiṣṇavas and saintly persons, distributing prasāda to the general public and to all living entities, offering prasāda to his forefathers, and also offering prasāda to his own self. Gṛhasthas should always be ready to worship everyone as mentioned above.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 7.14
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. athathereafter
  2. deśānplaces
  3. pravakṣyāmiI shall describe
  4. dharma-ādireligious performances, etc.
  5. śreyaauspiciousness
  6. āvahānwhich can bring
  7. saḥthat
  8. vaiindeed
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Manvantara · The change of Manus

    What gives human life its right direction? · Subject 6 of 10

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

    Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 7.14

    In this verse: “religious”, “principles”

  • Kṛpā · Divine mercy

    Grace received beyond material calculations. · Theme in SB 7.14

    In this verse: “mercy”

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 7.14

    In this verse: “worshiped”

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 could association with Vaiṣṇavas at a temple help my spiritual progress?

Practice

Choose a time to visit a Kṛṣṇa temple and take part in worship or service.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todaySeek Sacred Places of Kṛṣṇa’s ServiceThis 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 7.14.27-28? Get an answer from the verses themselves.