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Canto 9 · Liberation · 24 chapters

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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 9 · Chapter 4: Ambarīṣa Mahārāja Offended by Durvāsā Muni

9.4.51 9.4.53-54

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 9.4.52

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

अलब्धनाथ: स सदा कुतश्चित्

सन्त्रस्तचित्तोऽरणमेषमाण: ।

देवं विरिञ्चं समगाद्विधात-

स्त्राह्यात्मयोनेऽजिततेजसो माम् ॥ ५२ ॥

alabdha-nāthaḥ sa sadā kutaścit

santrasta-citto ’raṇam eṣamāṇaḥ

devaṁ viriñcaṁ samagād vidhātas

trāhy ātma-yone ’jita-tejaso mām

Translation

With a fearful heart, Durvāsā Muni went here and there seeking shelter, but when he could find no shelter, he finally approached Lord Brahmā and said, “O my lord, O Lord Brahmā, kindly protect me from the blazing Sudarśana cakra sent by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”

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.

Fear Drives the Search for Shelter

1
With a fearful heart, Durvāsā Muni went from place to place seeking shelter.
2
Unable to find a protector, he finally approached Lord Brahmā.
3
He begged Lord Brahmā to protect him from the blazing Sudarśana cakra sent by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

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

Chapter 4: Ambarīṣa Mahārāja Offended by Durvāsā Muni

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, however, is always the protector of His devotee, and to protect Mahārāja Ambarīṣa, He sent His disc, the Sudarśana cakra, which immediately vanquished the fiery demon and then pursued Durvāsā, who was so envious of Mahārāja Ambarīṣa. Durvāsā fled to Brahmaloka, Śivaloka and all the other higher planets, but he could not protect himself from the wrath of the Sudarśana cakra.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 9.4

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

alabdha-nāthaḥwithout getting the shelter of a protector
saḥDurvāsā Muni
sadāalways
kutaścitsomewhere
santrasta-cittaḥwith a fearful heart
araṇama person who can give shelter
eṣamāṇaḥseeking
devamat last to the chief demigod

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
Rakṣā · Divine protection
Protection of devotees through the Lord’s intervention. · Theme in SB 9.4
In this verse: “protect”, “protector”
Abhaya · Fearlessness
Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 9.4
In this verse: “fearful”
Karuṇā · Compassion
Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 9.4
In this verse: “kindly”

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

Where do I first turn for shelter when I feel afraid?

Practice

Write one sentence about where you seek protection when fear arises.

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayFear Drives the Search for ShelterThis 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.

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