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Read one verse of Śrī Caitanya Caritamrta with its Bengali, transliteration, word meanings, translation and study points.
Śrī Caitanya Caritamrta · Text Antya 1.195
“কিং কাব্যেন কবেস্তস্য কিং কাণ্ডেন ধনুষ্মতঃ ।
পরস্য হৃদয়ে লগ্নং ন ঘূর্ণয়তি যচ্ছিরঃ ।।” ১৯৫ ।। ॥ ১৯৫ ॥
kiṁ kāvyena kaves tasya
kiṁ kāṇḍena dhanuṣ-mataḥ
parasya hṛdaye lagnaṁ
na ghūrṇayati yac chiraḥ
“ ‘What is the use of a bowman’s arrow or a poet’s poetry if they penetrate the heart but do not cause the head to spin?’
Read this verse on Vedabase.ioThis verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.
Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.
The verse compares a poet’s poetry to a bowman’s arrow: both penetrate the heart.
The question asks what use either has if it does not also cause the head to spin. The image emphasizes a powerful effect, not merely reaching the heart.
In context, this comparison praises the deeply moving power of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s poetry.
Recognition and encouragement. Rūpa’s devotional insight receives the Lord’s approval; even a dog receives mercy.
The mood of Antya 1 as a whole, an editorial reading, not the text itself. See the emotional atlas
From Śrīla Prabhupāda's chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:
After the period of Cāturmāsya, all the devotees who had come from Bengal returned to their homes. Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, however, remained at Jagannātha Purī for some time.Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in Antya 1
Learn the words of the verse.
Take one thing from this verse into your day.
What words in this verse make its comparison especially striking to you?
Read the verse aloud slowly, and pause to consider the image of poetry piercing the heart.
Study points are short summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport on Vedabase.
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