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

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

Choose a chapter to see all its verses.

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 5: Prahlāda Mahārāja, the Saintly Son of Hiraṇyakaśipu

7.5.46 7.5.48

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.5.47

Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protection

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:Prahlāda Mahārājasince 7.5.30inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitNārada Muni → Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira

अप्रमेयानुभावोऽयमकुतश्चिद्भ‍योऽमर: ।

नूनमेतद्विरोधेन मृत्युर्मे भविता न वा ॥ ४७ ॥

aprameyānubhāvo ’yam

akutaścid-bhayo ’maraḥ

nūnam etad-virodhena

mṛtyur me bhavitā na vā

Translation

I can see that this boy’s strength is unlimited, for he has not feared any of my punishments. He appears immortal. Therefore, because of my enmity toward him, I shall die. Or maybe this will not take place.

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.

Enmity Leaves Hiraṇyakaśipu Uncertain

1
Hiraṇyakaśipu recognized that Prahlāda had not feared any of his punishments.
2
He considered the boy’s strength unlimited and thought that he appeared immortal.
3
He feared that his enmity toward Prahlāda would cause his own death, yet remained uncertain whether this would happen.

How it feels

Threat → Steady faith. A vulnerable child remains inwardly unshaken.

Chapters 5–7 of Canto 7: Prahlāda refuses to abandon his devotion. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Chapter 5: Prahlāda Mahārāja, the Saintly Son of Hiraṇyakaśipu

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Prahlāda explained that the duty of every man is to take shelter of a pure devotee and thus become eligible to understand Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Enraged at this answer, Hiraṇyakaśipu threw Prahlāda Mahārāja from his lap.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 7.5

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

aprameyaunlimited
anubhāvaḥglory
ayamthis
akutaścit-bhayaḥhaving no fear from any quarter
amaraḥimmortal
nūnamdefinitely
etat-virodhenabecause of going against him
mṛtyuḥdeath

Key ideas in this verse

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

Poṣaṇa · Protection by the Lord
How does the Lord care for His devotees? · Subject 4 of 10
Abhaya · Fearlessness
Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 7.5
In this verse: “feared”, “death”

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

How does holding enmity toward someone affect my own peace of mind?

Practice

Notice one resentful thought today and pause rather than feeding it with further hostile thoughts.

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayEnmity Leaves Hiraṇyakaśipu UncertainThis 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 7.5.47? Get an answer from the verses themselves.

Next in Learn · 5 of 11 · 2 minAsk the BhāgavatamBring your own question. Get an answer drawn only from the Bhāgavatam's translations, with every verse shown.Back · LearnCantos & stories