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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

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 7 · Chapter 2: Hiraṇyakaśipu, King of the Demons

7.2.16 7.2.18-19

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.2.17

Nirodha· Winding up

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:Nārada Munisince 7.2.1inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitNārada Muni → Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira

हिरण्यकशिपुर्भ्रातु: सम्परेतस्य दु:खित: ।

कृत्वा कटोदकादीनि भ्रातृपुत्रानसान्त्वयत् ॥ १७ ॥

hiraṇyakaśipur bhrātuḥ

samparetasya duḥkhitaḥ

kṛtvā kaṭodakādīni

bhrātṛ-putrān asāntvayat

Translation

After performing the ritualistic observances for the death of his brother, Hiraṇyakaśipu, being extremely unhappy, tried to pacify his nephews.

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.

Grieving Hiraṇyakaśipu Tries to Comfort His Nephews

1
Hiraṇyakaśipu performed the ritualistic observances for his brother’s death.
2
He was extremely unhappy over the loss of his brother.
3
While grieving himself, he tried to pacify his nephews.

How it feels

Pride and rage → Oppression. The ruler's power intensifies his insecurity.

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

Chapter 2: Hiraṇyakaśipu, King of the Demons

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

After finishing the ritualistic funeral ceremonies of his brother, Hiraṇyakaśipu began speaking to his nephews, quoting from the śāstras about the truth of life. To pacify them, he spoke as follows: “My dear nephews, for heroes to die before the enemy is glorious.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 7.2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

hiraṇyakaśipuḥHiraṇyakaśipu
bhrātuḥof the brother
samparetasyadeceased
duḥkhitaḥbeing very much distressed
kṛtvāperforming
kaṭodaka-ādīniceremonies observed after a death
bhrātṛ-putrānthe sons of his brother
asāntvayatpacified

Key ideas in this verse

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

Nirodha · Returning home, back to Godhead
What happens when everything here comes to an end? · Subject 8 of 10
Abhaya · Fearlessness
Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 7.2
In this verse: “death”

Chapter themes come from the story phase this chapter belongs to.

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

Can I make room for another person’s grief even when I am hurting?

Practice

Offer a few gentle words to someone who is grieving or distressed.

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayGrieving Hiraṇyakaśipu Tries to Comfort His NephewsThis 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 7.2.17? Get an answer from the verses themselves.

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