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 · Text 7.3.8

Who is speaking and story frame

तस्यायं किल सङ्कल्पश्चरतो दुश्चरं तप: ।

श्रूयतां किं न विदितस्तवाथापि निवेदितम् ॥ ८ ॥

tasyāyaṁ kila saṅkalpaś

carato duścaraṁ tapaḥ

śrūyatāṁ kiṁ na viditas

tavāthāpi niveditam

Translation

Hiraṇyakaśipu has undertaken a most severe type of austerity. Although his plan is not unknown to you, kindly listen as we submit his intentions.

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.

Respectfully Explain the Intention Behind Austerity

  1. 1

    The demigods described Hiraṇyakaśipu’s austerity as most severe.

  2. 2

    They acknowledged that his plan was already known to the person they were addressing.

  3. 3

    Still, they respectfully asked him to listen as they submitted Hiraṇyakaśipu’s intentions.

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 3: Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Plan to Become Immortal

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

This chapter describes how Hiraṇyakaśipu performed a severe type of austerity for material benefit, thus causing great distress throughout the universe. Even Lord Brahmā, the chief personality within this universe, became somewhat disturbed and personally went to see why Hiraṇyakaśipu was engaged in such a severe austerity.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 7.3
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. tasyahis
  2. ayamthis
  3. kilaindeed
  4. saṅkalpaḥdetermination
  5. carataḥwho is executing
  6. duścaramvery difficult
  7. tapaḥausterity
  8. śrūyatāmlet it be heard
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Ūti · The creative impetus

    Why do we act, and what keeps us bound? · Subject 5 of 10

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 7.3

    In this verse: “kindly”

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

How can I share a concern without assuming that the listener knows nothing?

Practice

When explaining a concern today, acknowledge what the listener already knows before adding your observations.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayRespectfully Explain the Intention Behind AusterityThis 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 7.3.8? Get an answer from the verses themselves.