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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 6: The Downfall of Saubhari Muni
9.6.139.6.15-16

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 9.6.14

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 9.6.1inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

वचनाद् देवदेवस्य विष्णोर्विश्वात्मन: प्रभो: ।

वाहनत्वे वृतस्तस्य बभूवेन्द्रो महावृष: ॥ १४ ॥

vacanād deva-devasya

viṣṇor viśvātmanaḥ prabhoḥ

vāhanatve vṛtas tasya

babhūvendro mahā-vṛṣaḥ

Translation

Purañjaya agreed to kill all the demons, on the condition that Indra would be his carrier. Because of pride, Indra could not accept this proposal, but later, by the order of the Supreme Lord, Viṣṇu, Indra did accept it and became a great bull carrier for Purañjaya.

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.

Pride Yields to the Supreme Lord’s Order

  1. 1

    Purañjaya agreed to kill the demons on the condition that Indra would become his carrier.

  2. 2

    Because of pride, Indra initially could not accept this proposal.

  3. 3

    By the order of the Supreme Lord, Viṣṇu, Indra accepted the role and became a great bull carrier for Purañjaya.

How it feels

Attachment and struggle → Renunciation and responsibility. Multiple royal lives reveal the cost of choices.

Chapters 6–9 of Canto 9: Saubhari, Sagara and Bhagīratha's lineage. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 6: The Downfall of Saubhari Muni

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Vikukṣi’s son fought with the demons for the sake of the demigods, and because of his valuable service he became famous as Purañjaya, Indravāha and Kakutstha. The son of Purañjaya was Anenā, the son of Anenā was Pṛthu, and the son of Pṛthu was Viśvagandhi.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 9.6
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. vacanātby the order or the words
  2. deva-devasyaof the Supreme Lord of all demigods
  3. viṣṇoḥLord Viṣṇu
  4. viśva-ātmanaḥthe Supersoul of the entire creation
  5. prabhoḥthe Lord, the controller
  6. vāhanatvebecause of becoming the carrier
  7. vṛtaḥengaged
  8. tasyain the service of Purañjaya
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

  • Dainya · Humility

    Ego yields to insight, service and surrender. · Theme in SB 9.6

    In this verse: “pride”

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 might pride make you reluctant to accept a supporting role?

Practice

Accept one small supporting task today without seeking recognition.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayPride Yields to the Supreme Lord’s OrderThis 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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