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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 2: Hiraṇyakaśipu, King of the Demons
7.2.277.2.29-31

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.2.28

Nirodha· Winding up
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Hiraṇyakaśipusince 7.2.20inside 4 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitNārada Muni → Mahārāja YudhiṣṭhiraHiraṇyakaśipu → his mother and family

उशीनरेष्वभूद्राजा सुयज्ञ इति विश्रुत: ।

सपत्नैर्निहतो युद्धे ज्ञातयस्तमुपासत ॥ २८ ॥

uśīnareṣv abhūd rājā

suyajña iti viśrutaḥ

sapatnair nihato yuddhe

jñātayas tam upāsata

Translation

In the state known as Uśīnara there was a celebrated king named Suyajña. When the King was killed in battle by his enemies, his kinsmen sat down around the dead body and began to lament the death of their friend.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

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

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

A King’s Death Brings Family Grief

  1. 1

    Suyajña was a celebrated king in the state of Uśīnara.

  2. 2

    His enemies killed him in battle. His celebrated position did not prevent his death.

  3. 3

    His kinsmen gathered around his dead body. They lamented the loss of their friend.

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

Further reading

Chapter 2: Hiraṇyakaśipu, King of the Demons

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Hiraṇyakaśipu then related a historical incident concerning a King Suyajña who resided in the country named Uśīnara. When the King was killed, his queens, overwhelmed with grief, received instructions, which Hiraṇyakaśipu quoted to his nephews.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 7.2
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. uśīnareṣuin the state known as Uśīnara
  2. abhūtthere was
  3. rājāa king
  4. suyajñaḥSuyajña
  5. itithus
  6. viśrutaḥcelebrated
  7. sapatnaiḥby enemies
  8. nihataḥkilled
3

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

  • Viraha · Longing in separation

    Love and remembrance experienced in apparent absence. · Theme in SB 7.2

    In this verse: “lament”, “lamented”

  • Abhaya · Fearlessness

    Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 7.2

    In this verse: “death”

  • Sakhya · Sacred friendship

    The affection of companions and friends of the Lord. · Theme in SB 7.2

    In this verse: “friend”

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

What do the words “their friend” help you notice about the kinsmen’s grief?

Practice

Spend a quiet minute reflecting on the loss felt by the king’s family and friends.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayA King’s Death Brings Family GriefThis 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 7.2.28? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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