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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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

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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.

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Canto 7 · Chapter 4: Hiraṇyakaśipu Terrorizes the Universe

7.3.37-38 7.4.2

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.4.1

Ūti· What drives us to act

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:Nārada Munisince 7.4.1inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitNārada Muni → Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira

श्रीनारद उवाच

एवं वृत: शतधृतिर्हिरण्यकशिपोरथ ।

प्रादात्तत्तपसा प्रीतो वरांस्तस्य सुदुर्लभान् ॥ १ ॥

śrī-nārada uvāca

evaṁ vṛtaḥ śata-dhṛtir

hiraṇyakaśipor atha

prādāt tat-tapasā prīto

varāṁs tasya sudurlabhān

Translation

Nārada Muni continued: Lord Brahmā was very much satisfied by Hiraṇyakaśipu’s austerities, which were difficult to perform. Therefore, when solicited for benedictions, he indeed granted them, although they were rarely to be achieved.

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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.

Difficult Austerities Please Lord Brahmā

1
Hiraṇyakaśipu performed austerities that were difficult to carry out.
2
Lord Brahmā was very much satisfied by these austerities.
3
When Hiraṇyakaśipu requested benedictions, Lord Brahmā granted gifts that were rarely obtainable.

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 4: Hiraṇyakaśipu Terrorizes the Universe

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

By severe austerities, Hiraṇyakaśipu satisfied Lord Brahmā and obtained the benedictions he desired. After he received these benedictions, his body, which had been almost entirely consumed, was revived with full beauty and a luster like gold.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 7.4