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Canto 9 · Liberation · 24 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.
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Canto 9 · Chapter 21: The Dynasty of Bharata
9.21.139.21.15

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 9.21.14

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 9.21.1inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

इति प्रभाष्य पानीयं म्रियमाण: पिपासया ।

पुल्कसायाददाद्धीरो निसर्गकरुणो नृप: ॥ १४ ॥

iti prabhāṣya pānīyaṁ

mriyamāṇaḥ pipāsayā

pulkasāyādadād dhīro

nisarga-karuṇo nṛpaḥ

Translation

Having spoken thus, King Rantideva, although on the verge of death because of thirst, gave his own portion of water to the caṇḍāla without hesitation, for the King was naturally very kind and sober.

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.

Kindness Acts Without Hesitation

  1. 1

    King Rantideva was on the verge of death because of thirst.

  2. 2

    Even in that condition, he gave his own portion of water to the caṇḍāla without hesitation.

  3. 3

    His action expressed his naturally kind and sober character.

How it feels

Historical movement → Anticipation. The narrative narrows toward its divine center.

Chapters 20–24 of Canto 9: Lineages leading to the appearance of Kṛṣṇa. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 21: The Dynasty of Bharata

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Rantideva therefore gave the rest of the food to the new guest and was about to content himself with drinking the water to quench his thirst, but this also was precluded, for a thirsty guest came and Rantideva gave him the water. This was all ordained by the Supreme Personality of Godhead just to glorify His devotee and show how tolerant a devotee is in rendering service to the Lord.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 9.21
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. itithus
  2. prabhāṣyagiving his statement
  3. pānīyamdrinking water
  4. mriyamāṇaḥalthough on the verge of death
  5. pipāsayābecause of thirst
  6. pulkasāyaunto the low-class caṇḍāla
  7. adadātdelivered
  8. dhīraḥsober
  9. nisarga-karuṇaḥby nature very kind
  10. nṛpaḥthe King
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Īśānukathā · The science of God

    Who is the Lord, and how do His devotees live? · Subject 7 of 10

  • Abhaya · Fearlessness

    Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 9.21

    In this verse: “death”

  • Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership

    Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 9.21

    In this verse: “king”

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

When I see someone in need, what makes me hesitate to help?

Practice

Respond promptly to one small need today, such as bringing someone drinking water.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayKindness Acts Without HesitationThis 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 9.21.14? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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