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 9 · Liberation · 24 chapters

123456789101112131415161718192021222324

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 ›
Canto 9 · Chapter 4: Ambarīṣa Mahārāja Offended by Durvāsā Muni
9.4.419.4.43

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 9.4.42

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Kingsince 9.4.39-40inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

दुर्वास यमुनाकूलात् कृतावश्यक आगत: ।

राज्ञाभिनन्दितस्तस्य बुबुधे चेष्टितं धिया ॥ ४२ ॥

durvāsā yamunā-kūlāt

kṛtāvaśyaka āgataḥ

rājñābhinanditas tasya

bubudhe ceṣṭitaṁ dhiyā

Translation

After executing the ritualistic ceremonies to be performed at noon, Durvāsā returned from the bank of the Yamunā. The King received him well, offering all respects, but Durvāsā Muni, by his mystic power, could understand that King Ambarīṣa had drunk water without his permission.

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.

Receive a Guest With Respect

  1. 1

    Durvāsā returned from the bank of the Yamunā after performing the noon ritualistic ceremonies.

  2. 2

    King Ambarīṣa received him well and offered him all respects.

  3. 3

    By his mystic power, Durvāsā Muni understood that the King had drunk water without his permission.

How it feels

Peril and anger → Faith and mercy. The contrast between pride and steadiness becomes clear.

Chapters 4–5 of Canto 9: Ambarīṣa's devotion and Durvāsā's anger. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 4: Ambarīṣa Mahārāja Offended by Durvāsā Muni

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

King Ambarīṣa respectfully received Durvāsā Muni, and Durvāsā Muni, after accepting his invitation to eat there, went to bathe in the Yamunā River at noontime. Because he was absorbed in samādhi, he did not come back very soon.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 9.4
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. durvāsāḥthe great sage
  2. yamunā-kūlātfrom the bank of the river Yamunā
  3. kṛtahad been performed
  4. āvaśyakaḥhe by whom the necessary ritualistic ceremonies
  5. āgataḥreturned
  6. rājñāby the King
  7. abhinanditaḥbeing well received
  8. tasyahis
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

  • Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership

    Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 9.4

    In this verse: “king”

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 9.4

    In this verse: “understand”

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

How attentive am I to showing respect when receiving someone?

Practice

Welcome someone warmly today and give them your full attention.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayReceive a Guest With RespectThis 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 9.4.42? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
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