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

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Canto 7 · The Science of God · 15 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 7 · Chapter 15: Instructions for Civilized Human Beings
7.15.27.15.4

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.15.3

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Nārada Munisince 7.15.1inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitNārada Muni → Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira

द्वौ दैवे पितृकार्ये त्रीनेकैकमुभयत्र वा ।

भोजयेत्सुसमृद्धोऽपि श्राद्धे कुर्यान्न विस्तरम् ॥ ३ ॥

dvau daive pitṛ-kārye trīn

ekaikam ubhayatra vā

bhojayet susamṛddho ’pi

śrāddhe kuryān na vistaram

Translation

During the period for offering oblations to the demigods, one should invite only two brāhmaṇas, and while offering oblations to the forefathers, one may invite three brāhmaṇas. Or, in either case, only one brāhmaṇa will suffice. Even though one is very opulent, he should not endeavor to invite more brāhmaṇas or make various expensive arrangements on those occasions.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Keep Sacred Offerings Simple

  1. 1

    For offerings to the demigods, two brāhmaṇas may be invited; for offerings to the forefathers, three. In either case, one is sufficient.

  2. 2

    Even a wealthy person should not multiply guests or make expensive arrangements for these occasions.

  3. 3

    One should invite and feed a first-class brāhmaṇa or Vaiṣṇava—a realized soul. Devotion makes a person dear to the Lord, regardless of birth.

Key points from the purport
  • As we have already mentioned, Śrīla Advaita Ācārya, during the generally observed ceremony to offer oblations to the forefathers, invited only Haridāsa Ṭhākura.
  • Therefore, offerings should be given to My devotee, and whatever My devotee has offered Me should be accepted.”
  • Following this principle, one should invite a first-class brāhmaṇa or Vaiṣṇava — a realized soul — and feed him while observing the śrāddha ceremony to offer oblations to one’s forefathers.

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 15: Instructions for Civilized Human Beings

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

One should not make very elaborate arrangements to perform the śrāddha ceremony of offering oblations to one’s forefathers. The best process for the śrāddha ceremony is to distribute bhāgavata-prasāda (remnants of food that has first been offered to Kṛṣṇa) to all of one’s forefathers and relatives.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 7.15
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. dvautwo
  2. daiveduring the period when oblations are offered to the demigods
  3. pitṛ-kāryein the śrāddha ceremony, in which oblations are offered to the forefathers
  4. trīnthree
  5. ekaone
  6. ekamone
  7. ubhayatrafor both occasions
  8. vāeither
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

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 7.15

    In this verse: “devotion”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 7.15

    In this verse: “wealthy”

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 giving more attention to sincere devotion or to impressive arrangements?

Practice

Write a simple plan for a sacred meal that emphasizes honoring a suitable devotee rather than expensive arrangements.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayKeep Sacred Offerings SimpleThis 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 7.15.3? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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