FolioCorpusŚrīmad-Bhāgavatam

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.11.13

गोपुरद्वारमार्गेषु कृतकौतुकतोरणाम् । चित्रध्वजपताकाग्रैरन्त: प्रतिहतातपाम् ॥ १३ ॥
gopura-dvāra-mārgeṣu
[gopura-dvaara-maargeshu]
kṛta-kautuka-toraṇām
[krita-kautuka-toranaam]
citra-dhvaja-patākāgrair
[chitra-dhvaja-pataakaagrair]
antaḥ pratihatātapām
[antah pratihataatapaam]
Word-for-word
gopura — the gateway of the city dvāra — door mārgeṣu — on different roads kṛta — undertaken kautuka — because of the festival toraṇām — decorated arch citra — painted dhvaja — flags patākā-agraiḥ — by the foremost signs antaḥ — within pratihata — checked ātapām — sunshine.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
gopura-dvāra-mārgeṣu
gopura
the gateway of the city
dvāra
door
mārgeṣu
on different roads
kṛta-kautuka-toraṇām
kṛta
undertaken
kautuka
because of the festival
toraṇām
decorated arch
citra-dhvaja-patākāgrair
citra
painted
dhvaja
flags
patākā-agraiḥ
by the foremost signs
antaḥ pratihatātapām
antaḥ
within
pratihata
checked
ātapām
sunshine.
The city gateway, the household doors and festooned arches along the roads were all nicely decorated with festive signs like plantain trees and mango leaves, all to welcome the Lord. Flags, garlands and painted signs and slogans all combined to shade the sunshine.
Purport

Signs of decoration in special festivals were also collected from the gifts of nature, such as the plantain trees, the mango trees, fruits and flowers. Mango trees, coconut palms and plantain trees are still accepted as auspicious signs. The flags mentioned above were all painted with the picture of either Garuḍa or Hanumān, the two great servitors of the Lord. For devotees, such paintings and decorations are still adored, and the servitor of the master is paid more respects for the satisfaction of the Lord.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
The city appeared splendid with lakes surrounded by pleasure gardens and plantations, with groves of pious trees and creepers giving fruit and flowers of all seasons.
Commentary

The city appeared splendid with lakes or lotus pools (padmākara) surrounded by forests for recreation giving flowers, and groves giving fruit, and with groves of pious creepers and trees giving flowers of all seasons.

Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Gates, doors and arches decorated with plantain trees and mango leaves welcomed Him; flags, garlands, painted signs combined to make it palatial. Welcome takes effort. We can decorate for the holy arrival.
Reflection Questions
  • How do I 'decorate' for the Lord's arrival in my day?
  • Where would beauty before the threshold change what enters?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

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