FolioCorpusŚrīmad-Bhāgavatam

8.23 · The Demigods Regain the Heavenly Planets

27 verses · 🖨 Class prep
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11-12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20-21 22-23 24 25 26-27 28 29 30 31
Book Bhagavata Canto 8 · G.O.L.D
D Dwarf Incarnation SB 8.15–8.24 · 11 sub-topics Open on bhagavata.keshavaswami.com ↗
Read summary inline (17285 chars)

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) When the demons came back and gained an upper hand on the demigods, Lord Vamanadeva appeared as the son of Aditi. The unassuming Dwarf incarnation humbly begged three steps of land from Bali Maharaja. Though Sukracarya warned his disciple that the Lord had come to trick him, Bali rejected his guru and remained determined to honour dharma and fulfil Vamanadeva’s request. He thus went down in history as one of the twelve great personalities (mahajanas) for first giving the Lord the entire universe, and then surrendering his very self. We come into the world empty-handed and leave empty-handed. If in the interim we can dedicate everything to Krishna, we escape the trap of attachment and the subsequent suffering that comes with it.

Previous Extremes Next Bali's Fightback Last updated 1 year ago

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24)

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) When the demons came back and gained an upper hand on the demigods, Lord Vamanadeva appeared as the son of Aditi. The unassuming Dwarf incarnation humbly begged three steps of land from Bali Maharaja. Though Sukracarya warned his disciple that the Lord had come to trick him, Bali rejected his guru and remained determined to honour dharma and fulfil Vamanadeva’s request. He thus went down in history as one of the twelve great personalities (mahajanas) for first giving the Lord the entire universe, and then surrendering his very self. We come into the world empty-handed and leave empty-handed. If in the interim we can dedicate everything to Krishna, we escape the trap of attachment and the subsequent suffering that comes with it.

Previous Extremes Next Bali's Fightback Last updated 1 year ago

Aditi and the Dwarf Incarnation

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) Aditi and the Dwarf Incarnation Chapter 16, 17, 18 When the demigods fled, their mother, Aditi, became morose. Observing her demeanour, Kasyapa Muni tried to ascertain the cause and advised her that only the Lord could provide permanent solutions to life’s problems. When she enquired how to worship the Lord and seek His shelter, Kasyapa guided her through the intricate details of the payo-vrata sacrifice (a rigorous austerity in which one subsists only on milk). After successfully completing the twelve-day sacrifice, the Lord suddenly appeared before Aditi, much to her delight. Aditi offered prayers in a faltering voice, and without her even mentioning it, the Lord understood her motherly concern for the demigods. Because of her devotion and Kasyapa Muni’s austerities, the Lord reassured them that He would find an ingenious way to overthrow the demons. By mystic perception, Kasyapa Muni understood that the Lord had entered within him, and he thus impregnated Aditi. At the auspicious hour, Lord Vamanadeva appeared in the world, equipped with all transcendental paraphernalia, and then assumed the form of a dwarf brahmacari . Various demigods and sages spontaneously arrived to celebrate the Lord’s advent, bringing Him gifts of love and beautiful praise.

Previous Bali's Fightback Next Donation for the Dwarf Last updated 1 year ago

Bali's Fightback

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) Bali's Fightback Chapter 15 While detailing the Manus, Sukadeva Goswami briefly mentioned the incident of Bali Maharaja and Vamanadeva in the Vaivasvata Manu. Maharaja Pariksit requested to know more about this. After being crushed by the demigods, Bali Maharaja and the demons were mystically revived back to good health by the grace of Sukracarya, their guru. The brahmana friends of Bali Maharaja then engaged him in a sacrifice to gain cosmic control ( visvajit-yajna ), and as a result he received celestial equipment and formidable boons to multiply his power. With renewed vigour and enthusiasm, Bali Maharaja laid siege on Indra’s beautiful city. Brhaspati, the guru of the demigods, informed them that they stood no chance unless the Lord personally appeared. The demigods thus fled in fear as the demons took control of the heavenly domain. Determined as ever, Bali continued to perform sacrifices to strengthen his position and increase his influence.

Previous D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) Next Aditi and the Dwarf Incarnation Last updated 1 year ago

Donation for the Dwarf

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) Donation for the Dwarf Chapter 18, 19, 20 Vamanadeva journeyed to Bali Maharaja’s sacrificial arena and appeared in the assembly looking like a young, innocent brahmacari . The priests fittingly received Him, while Bali Maharaja humbly washed His feet. Stunned by His beauty and effulgence, Bali openheartedly offered Him any charity He desired. Vamanadeva glorified Bali Maharaja’s generosity, which was in keeping with his family tradition. After all, great personalities like Prahlada Maharaja had appeared in this lineage. The Dwarf incarnation then made His request for a mere three steps of land. Bali Maharaja encouraged Him to ask for more, while Sukracarya vehemently warned his disciple not to give even an inch! The spiritual master of the demons was well aware of the Lord’s ingenious plan, which would strip Bali Maharaja of everything and reinstate the demigods into power. He deviously suggested a get-out clause to save the day. Uninterested and undeterred, Bali Maharaja rejected Sukracarya and readily agreed to Vamanadeva’s request, seeing it as his duty and religion to wholeheartedly offer charity to a brahmana. How could he retract his promise? When Bali Maharaja agreed to His request, Vamanadeva miraculously expanded Himself and Bali witnessed the entire creation resting within His body. With His first step, the Lord effortlessly covered the entire surface of the world, and by extending His body further, He covered the entire sky. With His hands He covered all directions. Then, with His second footstep, He covered the entire upper planetary system. Having comprehensively occupied everything in creation, the question remained as to where the Lord would place His third step.

Previous Aditi and the Dwarf Incarnation Next The Third Step Last updated 1 year ago

Matsya Avatara

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) Matsya Avatara Chapter 24 Responding to Maharaja Pariksit’s enquiry, Sukadeva Goswami narrated the pastimes of Matsya, the first incarnation of the Lord, who appeared in two different Manvantaras. When the demon Hayagriva wanted to steal the Vedic knowledge away from Lord Brahma at the time of annihilation, the Lord appeared as a fish. Matsya avatara killed the demon, saved the Vedas, and then delivered that knowledge to Brahma when he awakened from slumber. [ 26 ] When King Satyavrata, who subsisted only on water, offered shelter to a small fish and kept it in a water jug, he wasn’t aware that it was the Supreme Lord. The fish expanded His body, and though the king offered bigger and bigger residences, from a jug, to a well, to a lake, and to the sea, it was all insufficient. The King then understood the fish’s divine identity. The Lord informed him that there would be an inundation within a week during which the King and all living entities would be protected in a boat which would be attached to the transcendental fish’s horn. This indeed transpired. Having been saved, King Satyavrata offered many beautiful prayers to the Lord. In response, the Lord illuminated Satyavrata with the essence of Vedic wisdom.

Previous Prahlada's Reassurance and Demigods Reinstated Next Surrender Last updated 1 year ago

Prahlada's Reassurance and Demigods Reinstated

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) Prahlada's Reassurance and Demigods Reinstated Chapter 22, 23 Seeing his grandson’s incredible display of surrender, Prahlada Maharaja arrived there and reassured Bali that he was actually the fortunate recipient of the Lord’s mercy; when the Lord especially favours someone, He takes everything away. Lord Brahma and Bali’s wife, Vindhyavali, glorified the supremacy of the Lord and offered various prayers. When they requested that Bali Maharaja be released, the Lord happily agreed and promised him all protection. Seeing Bali Maharaja’s humility and sincerity, Lord Vishnu awarded him the special planet known as Sutala. Aditi’s desire to reinstate the demigods was thus fulfilled, as – Indra and the other cosmic rulers resumed their responsibilities within the universe.

Previous The Third Step Next Matsya Avatara Last updated 1 year ago

Surrender

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) Surrender “The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, advises, sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja : “Give up all other varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me.” The common man does not appreciate such a statement by the Supreme Personality of Godhead because he thinks that during his lifetime his family, society, country, body and relatives are everything. Why should one give up any one of them and take shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead? But from the behaviour of great personalities like Prahlada Maharaja and Bali Maharaja we understand that surrendering to the Lord is the right action for an intelligent person. Prahlada Maharaja took shelter of Vishnu against the will of his father. Similarly, Bali Maharaja took shelter of Vamanadeva against the will of his spiritual master, Sukracarya, and all the leading demons.” (SB 8.22.9) In the Bhakti-rasamrita Sindhu (1.2.265) Rupa Goswami delineates the nine processes of devotional service, and the various personalities who perfected those practices. When he comes to atma-nivedanam , the act of complete surrender, he establishes Bali Maharaja as the shining example ( sarvasvatma-nivedane balir ). This is the ultimate goal established by Krishna at the conclusion of the Bhagavad-gita, where he implores Arjuna to abandon all religious duties ( dharma ) and embrace complete surrender. Bali Maharaja fully embodied this spirit of a Vaisnava that Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings of: “Mind, body, and family, whatever may be mine, I have surrendered at Your lotus feet, O youthful son of Nanda!” (Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Saranagati)

Previous Matsya Avatara Next Types of Surrender Last updated 1 year ago

Surrender - Natural but Gradual

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) Surrender Surrender - Natural but Gradual Such surrender is actually the easiest and most natural thing in creation. Since the essence of our being, as eternal servants of Krishna, lies in being completely aligned to the will of God, when we try to avoid it we inevitably struggle in problems and pain. Although completely natural, the reality is that the process must be gradual. In the journey of Krishna consciousness there is an external and internal surrender. We begin with the most tangible and measurable things, the external aspects of the process. Once we have embraced that, we progressively try to deepen our internal mood and consciousness. Indeed, this aligning of the activities and mind brings one to a liberated platform: “ One who engages in the transcendental service of the Lord in body, mind and word is to be considered liberated in all conditions of material existence .” (BRS 1.2.187) We begin with the externals. Following scriptural injunctions, the acaryas have prescribed a set of devotional practices which include reading, chanting, worshipping and finding practical ways to serve Krishna. These items of bhakti allow us to live and function with Krishna in the centre. Along with such devotional practices, we embrace a certain lifestyle. There are certain yamas (don’ts) and niyamas (dos) and we adopt those habits knowing that they aid the spiritual practices we are performing. Along with the personal practices and lifestyle, the practitioner also assumes a spiritual identity. They surround themselves with spiritual people, conducting their social life with spiritual elements incorporated, re-aligning their life goals and aspirations, and identifying themselves with a particular spiritual group or movement. This external surrender is indeed a seismic shift in someone’s life. Yet Krishna goes further. Surrender cannot be reduced to external adjustments. In essence, surrender means a change of consciousness and a change of heart. When defining surrender, Bhaktivinoda Thakura outlines six cardinal principles: “The six divisions of surrender are the acceptance of those things favourable to devotional service, the rejection of unfavourable things, the conviction that Krishna will give protection, the acceptance of the Lord as one’s guardian or master, full self-surrender and humility.” ( CC Madhya 22.100 ) The first two items relate to the mind, which is always accepting and rejecting. For the surrendered soul, the activities of the mind are aligned with pleasing Krishna. Indeed, Krishna explains that one should purify the mind and use it as a means for elevation. The second two items refer to our intelligence. Material intelligence is based around the consciousness of being the controller and enjoyer, calculating and concluding on immediate action and reaction, without seeing the bigger picture. For the surrendered soul, one’s intelligence is founded upon the scriptural understanding that Krishna is the controller, enjoyer and ultimate object of service. The final two items deal with the ego. Pride and selfishness haunt those who are rooted in the bodily concept of life and plagued by false ego. When one surrenders, the real ego of being a menial servant and simple instrument, brings with it a profound depth of humility and selflessness. As we live a life of surrender, our vision evolves. Instead of seeing the world and everything within it from our point of view, we’ll begin seeing it from Krishna’s point of view. He will receive the first communication in the day, the first consideration in any decision, the first show of gratitude in success or failure, and the first place in our hearts.

Previous Types of Surrender Next Sustainable Surrender Last updated 1 year ago

Sustainable Surrender

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) Surrender Sustainable Surrender While aspiring for such deep surrender, our progress towards that end goal must be incremental, realistic and sustainable. If we adopt a practice of surrender which is beyond our means, we may well find we lose hope and enthusiasm altogether. In the name of surrender, we can end up neglecting ourselves and thus erode our ability to continue the journey. In our aspiration for surrender, we can often undertake rigorous commitments in spiritual practice, and accept high levels of practical spiritual responsibilities. While commendable, we must judge whether it’s sustainable. We may embrace a life which mirrors our aspirations, but we may not have the capacity to live at that level just yet. Thus, when crafting our own individual process of surrender, we must consult others to see how to bend ourselves without breaking. In the pursuance of complete self-surrender, we should ensure that there are healthy inputs on the bodily level (physical health), mental level (good relationships) and spiritual level (good sadhana ). Neglecting these vital elements will, in most cases, almost certainly impede one’s progress to pure surrender.

Previous Surrender - Natural but Gradual Next D.R.A.G Last updated 1 year ago

Types of Surrender

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) Surrender Types of Surrender Some people surrender to God because they are scared; they fear the consequences of rebelling against His will, and thus embrace surrender to preserve their comfort and security. Others surrender to God out of helplessness; having tried everything else, they see no other recourse or option. Some surrender with selfish motivations in mind; they know that a powerful superior can help them achieve what they want. Beyond all such types of surrender, is a spontaneous surrender out of love. This kind of surrender, which is what Krishna recommends, is total and perfect – completely aligning our will with the Supreme will, knowing the happiness of the Lord is not separate from our own. Jesus Christ, for example, surrendered totally and willfully. On the cross his last words were, “Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke, 23.46)

Previous Surrender Next Surrender - Natural but Gradual Last updated 1 year ago

The Third Step

D - Dwarf Incarnation (15-24) The Third Step Chapter 21, 22 The demigods glorified the extraordinary acts of the Lord, while the demons complained and criticised. In a fit of fury, they attacked Vamanadeva, but were comfortably dispatched by the various associates of Lord. The demons were driven out, while Bali Maharaja was arrested and brought to the Lord. Lord Vishnu enquired from Bali Maharaja about where to place His third step. Failure to do so would mean instant punishment. Troubled by his inability to honour his word, Bali considered deeply what to do. He was then inspired to offer his head as the place for the third step. This is akin to those who sacrifice their entire lives to selflessly serve the Lord. The Lord thus became famed as Trivikrama, ‘He who took three great strides,’ and Urukrama, ‘He who performs wonderful acts.’

Previous Donation for the Dwarf Next Prahlada's Reassurance and Demigods Reinstated Last updated 1 year ago

— S.B. Keshava Swami, Book Bhagavata

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.1

↗
श्रीशुक उवाच इत्युक्तवन्तं पुरुषं पुरातनं महानुभावोऽखिलसाधुसम्मत: । बद्धाञ्जलिर्बाष्पकलाकुलेक्षणो भक्त्युत्कलो गद्गदया गिराब्रवीत् ॥ १ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca
[shree-shuka uvaacha]
ity uktavantaṁ puruṣaṁ purātanaṁ
[ity uktavantam purusham puraatanam]
mahānubhāvo ’khila-sādhu-sammataḥ
[mahaanubhaavo ’khila-saadhu-sammatah]
baddhāñjalir bāṣpa-kalākulekṣaṇo
[baddhaanjalir baashpa-kalaakulekshano]
bhakty-utkalo gadgadayā girābravīt
[bhakty-utkalo gadgadayaa giraabraveet]
Word-for-word
śrī-śukaḥ uvāca — Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said iti — thus uktavantam — upon the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead puruṣam — unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead purātanam — the oldest of everyone mahā-anubhāvaḥ — Bali Mahārāja, who was a great and exalted soul akhila-sādhu-sammataḥ — as approved by all saintly persons baddha-añjaliḥ — with folded hands bāṣpa-kala-ākula-īkṣaṇaḥ — whose eyes were filled with tears bhakti-utkalaḥ — full of ecstatic devotion gadgadayā — which were faltering in devotional ecstasy girā — by such words abravīt — said.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
śrī-śuka uvāca
śrī-śukaḥ uvāca
Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said
ity uktavantaṁ puruṣaṁ purātanaṁ
iti
thus
uktavantam
upon the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
puruṣam
unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead
purātanam
the oldest of everyone
mahānubhāvo ’khila-sādhu-sammataḥ
mahā-anubhāvaḥ
Bali Mahārāja, who was a great and exalted soul
baddhāñjalir bāṣpa-kalākulekṣaṇo
akhila-sādhu-sammataḥ
as approved by all saintly persons
baddha-añjaliḥ
with folded hands
bāṣpa-kala-ākula-īkṣaṇaḥ
whose eyes were filled with tears
bhakty-utkalo gadgadayā girābravīt
bhakti-utkalaḥ
full of ecstatic devotion
gadgadayā
which were faltering in devotional ecstasy
girā
by such words
abravīt
said.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: When the supreme, ancient, eternal Personality of Godhead had thus spoken to Bali Mahārāja, who is universally accepted as a pure devotee of the Lord and therefore a great soul, Bali Mahārāja, his eyes filled with tears, his hands folded and his voice faltering in devotional ecstasy, responded as follows.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: The great minded, Bali Mahārāja, respected by all devotees, his eyes filled with tears, his hands folded and his voice faltering, filled with devotion, responded to the most ancient Lord, who had just spoken. In the Twenty-third Chapter, Vāmana has Bali enter Sutala, and he becomes his door keeper, and in the form of Upendra gives protection to Indra in Svarga. The Lord had said, “Having placed my third step on your head, I have accepted you along with the three worlds. Let the world know that you have kept your promise.” The Śruti also says idaṁ viṣṇuḥ vikacrame tredā nidadhe padam: Viṣṇu by taking three steps covered the universe. (Śukla Yajur Veda, Vājasaneyi Saṁhitā 5.15) Udgalaḥ [Note: This is another version, instead of utkalaḥ.] means “having tears in his throat.”
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
When the eternal Lord spoke to Bali, the great soul responded with tears, folded hands, and a faltering voice. The body's response — tears, fold, falter — is the signature of devotional ecstasy. Composed speech alone is not the high mark.
Reflection Questions
  • Where do I keep my body composed during sacred speech, missing the signatures the Bhāgavatam expects?
  • When was I last moved enough by the Lord's words to falter in reply?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.2

↗
श्रीबलिरुवाच अहो प्रणामाय कृत: समुद्यम: प्रपन्नभक्तार्थविधौ समाहित: । यल्ल‍ोकपालैस्त्वदनुग्रहोऽमरै- रलब्धपूर्वोऽपसदेऽसुरेऽर्पित: ॥ २ ॥
śrī-balir uvāca
[shree-balir uvaacha]
aho praṇāmāya kṛtaḥ samudyamaḥ
[aho pranaamaaya kritah samudyamah]
prapanna-bhaktārtha-vidhau samāhitaḥ
[prapanna-bhaktaartha-vidhau samaahitah]
yal loka-pālais tvad-anugraho ’marair
[yal loka-paalais tvad-anugraho ’marair]
alabdha-pūrvo ’pasade ’sure ’rpitaḥ
[alabdha-poorvo ’pasade ’sure ’rpitah]
Word-for-word
śrī-baliḥ uvāca — Bali Mahārāja said aho — alas praṇāmāya — to offer my respectful obeisances kṛtaḥ — I did samudyamaḥ — only an endeavor prapanna-bhakta-artha-vidhau — in the regulative principles observed by pure devotees samāhitaḥ — is capable yat — that loka-pālaiḥ — by the leaders of various planets tvat-anugrahaḥ — Your causeless mercy amaraiḥ — by the demigods alabdha-pūrvaḥ — not achieved previously apasade — unto a fallen person like me asure — belonging to the asura community arpitaḥ — endowed.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
śrī-balir uvāca
śrī-baliḥ uvāca
Bali Mahārāja said
aho praṇāmāya kṛtaḥ samudyamaḥ
aho
alas
praṇāmāya
to offer my respectful obeisances
kṛtaḥ
I did
samudyamaḥ
only an endeavor
prapanna-bhaktārtha-vidhau samāhitaḥ
prapanna-bhakta-artha-vidhau
in the regulative principles observed by pure devotees
samāhitaḥ
is capable
yal loka-pālais tvad-anugraho ’marair
yat
that
loka-pālaiḥ
by the leaders of various planets
tvat-anugrahaḥ
Your causeless mercy
amaraiḥ
by the demigods
alabdha-pūrvo ’pasade ’sure ’rpitaḥ
alabdha-pūrvaḥ
not achieved previously
apasade
unto a fallen person like me
asure
belonging to the asura community
arpitaḥ
endowed.
Bali Mahārāja said: What a wonderful effect there is in even attempting to offer respectful obeisances to You! I merely endeavored to offer You obeisances, but nonetheless the attempt was as successful as those of pure devotees. The causeless mercy You have shown to me, a fallen demon, was never achieved even by the demigods or the leaders of the various planets.
Purport

When Vāmanadeva appeared before Bali Mahārāja, Bali Mahārāja immediately wanted to offer Him respectful obeisances, but he was unable to do so because of the presence of Śukrācārya and other demoniac associates. The Lord is so merciful, however, that although Bali Mahārāja did not actually offer obeisances but only endeavored to do so within his mind, the Supreme Personality of Godhead blessed him with more mercy than even the demigods could ever expect. As confirmed in Bhagavad-gītā (2.40) , svalpam apy asya dharmasya trāyate mahato bhayāt: “Even a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.” The Supreme Personality of Godhead is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana because He takes only the essence of a devotee’s attitude. If a devotee sincerely surrenders, the Lord, as the Supersoul in everyone’s heart, immediately understands this. Thus even though, externally, a devotee may not render full service, if he is internally sincere and serious the Lord welcomes his service nonetheless. Thus the Lord is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana because He takes the essence of one’s devotional mentality.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
Bali Mahārāja said: Ah! Just my eagerness to offer respects is able to yield results sought by the surrendered devotees. This low demon has received your rare mercy, not received previously even by the devatās. Even having eagerness to offer you respects is able to produce results desired by the surrendered devotees. I have understood this today. My guru said that Viṣṇu has come to take away everything I possess. When I learned this from my guru, I was eager to offer you respects, but did not, out of fear of guru and the demons. But that eagerness has given such result now! What is that? Mercy in the form of getting your foot on my head, which is not attained even by the devatās in sattva-guṇa, was attained by me, a low rascal (apasade) in rajo-guṇa.
Personal Guidance
My mere attempt at obeisances was as successful as pure devotees' acts; the causeless mercy You showed me, a fallen demon, exceeded what demigods receive. The Lord credits the intent. Even the unsucceeded bow is rewarded.
Reflection Questions
  • What 'attempt' of mine at devotion may have been credited above what I have noticed?
  • Where do I dismiss my partial efforts when the Lord may have already counted them as whole?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.3

↗
श्रीशुक उवाच इत्युक्त्वा हरिमानत्य ब्रह्माणं सभवं तत: । विवेश सुतलं प्रीतो बलिर्मुक्त: सहासुरै: ॥ ३ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca
[shree-shuka uvaacha]
ity uktvā harim ānatya
[ity uktvaa harim aanatya]
brahmāṇaṁ sabhavaṁ tataḥ
[brahmaanam sabhavam tatah]
viveśa sutalaṁ prīto
[vivesha sutalam preeto]
balir muktaḥ sahāsuraiḥ
[balir muktah sahaasuraih]
Word-for-word
śrī-śukaḥ uvāca — Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said iti uktvā — saying this harim — unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari ānatya — offering obeisances brahmāṇam — unto Lord Brahmā sa-bhavam — with Lord Śiva tataḥ — thereafter viveśa — he entered sutalam — the planet Sutala prītaḥ — being fully satisfied baliḥ — Bali Mahārāja muktaḥ — thus released saha asuraiḥ — with his asura associates.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
śrī-śuka uvāca
śrī-śukaḥ uvāca
Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said
ity uktvā harim ānatya
iti uktvā
saying this
harim
unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari
ānatya
offering obeisances
brahmāṇaṁ sabhavaṁ tataḥ
brahmāṇam
unto Lord Brahmā
sa-bhavam
with Lord Śiva
tataḥ
thereafter
viveśa sutalaṁ prīto
viveśa
he entered
sutalam
the planet Sutala
prītaḥ
being fully satisfied
balir muktaḥ sahāsuraiḥ
baliḥ
Bali Mahārāja
muktaḥ
thus released
saha asuraiḥ
with his asura associates.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: After speaking in this way, Bali Mahārāja offered his obeisances first to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, and then to Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva. Thus he was released from the bondage of the nāga-pāśa [the ropes of Varuṇa], and in full satisfaction he entered the planet known as Sutala.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: After speaking in this way, Bali Mahārāja offered his obeisances first to the Supreme Lord, and then to Brahmā and Śiva. Released from the bondage of Varuṇa’s ropes, and in full satisfaction, he entered the planet known as Sutala with the demons. Muktaḥ means ‘”released from the snake ropes.”
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
After offering obeisances to Hari, Brahmā, and Śiva, Bali was released from nāga-pāśa and entered Sutala in full satisfaction. Surrender, then release, then satisfaction. The sequence holds; satisfaction follows release follows surrender.
Reflection Questions
  • Where am I trying to skip surrender and head directly to satisfaction?
  • What 'rope' would fall away if I made my obeisances to the proper sequence of recipients?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.4

↗
एवमिन्द्राय भगवान् प्रत्यानीय त्रिविष्टपम् । पूरयित्वादिते: काममशासत् सकलं जगत् ॥ ४ ॥
evam indrāya bhagavān
[evam indraaya bhagavaan]
pratyānīya triviṣṭapam
[pratyaaneeya trivishtapam]
pūrayitvāditeḥ kāmam
[poorayitvaaditeh kaamam]
aśāsat sakalaṁ jagat
[ashaasat sakalam jagat]
Word-for-word
evam — in this way indrāya — unto King Indra bhagavān — the Supreme Personality of Godhead pratyānīya — giving back tri-viṣṭapam — his supremacy in the heavenly planets pūrayitvā — fulfilling aditeḥ — of Aditi kāmam — the desire aśāsat — ruled sakalam — complete jagat — universe.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
evam indrāya bhagavān
evam
in this way
indrāya
unto King Indra
bhagavān
the Supreme Personality of Godhead
pratyānīya triviṣṭapam
pratyānīya
giving back
tri-viṣṭapam
his supremacy in the heavenly planets
pūrayitvāditeḥ kāmam
pūrayitvā
fulfilling
aditeḥ
of Aditi
kāmam
the desire
aśāsat sakalaṁ jagat
aśāsat
ruled
sakalam
complete
jagat
universe.
Thus having delivered the proprietorship of the heavenly planets to Indra and having fulfilled the desire of Aditi, mother of the demigods, the Supreme Personality of Godhead ruled the affairs of the universe.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
Thus having delivered the proprietorship of the heavenly planets to Indra and having fulfilled the desire of Aditi, the Supreme Lord ruled the whole universe.
Personal Guidance
Having delivered heavenly proprietorship to Indra and fulfilled Aditi's desire, the Lord ruled the universe. The work concludes by handing over to the proper authority. He does not hold what He came to restore.
Reflection Questions
  • What work am I supposed to hand over after completing, but am still holding?
  • Where does my holding-on prevent the rightful party from taking up their post?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.5

↗
लब्धप्रसादं निर्मुक्तं पौत्रं वंशधरं बलिम् । निशाम्य भक्तिप्रवण: प्रह्लाद इदमब्रवीत् ॥ ५ ॥
labdha-prasādaṁ nirmuktaṁ
[labdha-prasaadam nirmuktam]
pautraṁ vaṁśa-dharaṁ balim
[pautram vamsha-dharam balim]
niśāmya bhakti-pravaṇaḥ
[nishaamya bhakti-pravanah]
prahrāda idam abravīt
[prahraada idam abraveet]
Word-for-word
labdha-prasādam — who had achieved the blessings of the Lord nirmuktam — who was released from bondage pautram — his grandson vaṁśa-dharam — the descendant balim — Bali Mahārāja niśāmya — after overhearing bhakti-pravaṇaḥ — in fully ecstatic devotion prahrādaḥ — Prahlāda Mahārāja idam — this abravīt — spoke.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
labdha-prasādaṁ nirmuktaṁ
labdha-prasādam
who had achieved the blessings of the Lord
nirmuktam
who was released from bondage
pautraṁ vaṁśa-dharaṁ balim
pautram
his grandson
vaṁśa-dharam
the descendant
balim
Bali Mahārāja
niśāmya bhakti-pravaṇaḥ
niśāmya
after overhearing
bhakti-pravaṇaḥ
in fully ecstatic devotion
prahrādaḥ
Prahlāda Mahārāja
prahrāda idam abravīt
idam
this
abravīt
spoke.
When Prahlāda Mahārāja heard how Bali Mahārāja, his grandson and descendant, had been released from bondage and had achieved the benediction of the Lord, he spoke as follows in a tone of greatly ecstatic devotion.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
When Prahlāda Mahārāja, immersed in devotion, saw how Bali Mahārāja, his grandson and descendant, had been released from bondage and had achieved the blessings of the Lord, he spoke as follows. Having stated that Bali attained Sutala and Indra attained Svarga, Śukadeva described the details of this. Nirmuktam means “freed from the bondage of Varuṇa’s ropes.”
Personal Guidance
Hearing Bali released and benedicted, Prahlāda spoke in ecstatic devotion. Family devotee responds to family devotee's triumph with ecstasy, not pride. Saint to saint, joy compounds.
Reflection Questions
  • When a relative's spiritual fortune brightens, do I feel ecstasy or competitive comparison?
  • Where could my joy at another's grace be more wholehearted?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.6

↗
श्रीप्रह्लाद उवाच नेमं विरिञ्चो लभते प्रसादं न श्रीर्न शर्व: किमुतापरेऽन्ये । यन्नोऽसुराणामसि दुर्गपालो विश्वाभिवन्द्यैरभिवन्दिताङ्‍‍घ्रि: ॥ ६ ॥
śrī-prahrāda uvāca
[shree-prahraada uvaacha]
nemaṁ viriñco labhate prasādaṁ
[nemam virincho labhate prasaadam]
na śrīr na śarvaḥ kim utāpare ’nye
[na shreer na sharvah kim utaapare ’nye]
yan no ’surāṇām asi durga-pālo
[yan no ’suraanaam asi durga-paalo]
viśvābhivandyair abhivanditāṅghriḥ
[vishvaabhivandyair abhivanditaanghrih]
Word-for-word
śrī-prahrādaḥ uvāca — Prahlāda Mahārāja said na — not imam — this viriñcaḥ — even Lord Brahmā labhate — can achieve prasādam — benediction na — nor śrīḥ — the goddess of fortune na — nor śarvaḥ — Lord Śiva kim uta — what to speak of apare anye — others yat — which benediction naḥ — of us asurāṇām — the demons asi — You have become durga-pālaḥ — the maintainer viśva-abhivandyaiḥ — by personalities like Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva, who are worshiped all over the universe abhivandita-aṅghriḥ — whose lotus feet are worshiped.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
śrī-prahrāda uvāca
śrī-prahrādaḥ uvāca
Prahlāda Mahārāja said
nemaṁ viriñco labhate prasādaṁ
na śrīr na śarvaḥ kim utāpare ’nye
na
not
imam
this
yan no ’surāṇām asi durga-pālo
viśvābhivandyair abhivanditāṅghriḥ
viriñcaḥ
even Lord Brahmā
labhate
can achieve
prasādam
benediction
na
nor
śrīḥ
the goddess of fortune
na
nor
śarvaḥ
Lord Śiva
kim uta
what to speak of
apare anye
others
yat
which benediction
naḥ
of us
asurāṇām
the demons
asi
You have become
durga-pālaḥ
the maintainer
viśva-abhivandyaiḥ
by personalities like Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva, who are worshiped all over the universe
abhivandita-aṅghriḥ
whose lotus feet are worshiped.
Prahlāda Mahārāja said: O Supreme Personality of Godhead, You are universally worshiped; even Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva worship Your lotus feet. Yet although You are such a great personality, You have kindly promised to protect us, the demons. I think that such kindness has never been achieved even by Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva or the goddess of fortune, Lakṣmī, what to speak of other demigods or common people.
Purport

The word durga-pāla is significant. The word durga means “that which does not go very easily.” Generally durga refers to a fort, which one cannot very easily enter. Another meaning of durga is “difficulty.” Because the Supreme Personality of Godhead promised to protect Bali Mahārāja and his associates from all dangers, He is addressed here as durga-pāla, the Lord who gives protection from all miserable conditions.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
Prahlāda Mahārāja said: We have attained mercy that Brahmā, Lakṣmī or Śiva, what to speak of others, have not attained. You, whose lotus feet are worshiped by the most respected person in the universe, are the protector of us demons in all respects. Durga-pālaḥ means “you are our protector in all respects.” The Lord previously stated this (SB 8.22.35).
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
You are worshiped even by Brahmā and Śiva; yet You promised to protect us demons. Such kindness has not even reached Lakṣmī. Durga-pāla: He gives protection through every difficulty.
Reflection Questions
  • Where do I imagine the Lord's protection extends to others but not to me — and is that wrong?
  • What difficulty of mine has He already shown the desire to shelter me through?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.7

↗
यत्पादपद्ममकरन्दनिषेवणेन ब्रह्मादय: शरणदाश्नुवते विभूती: । कस्माद् वयं कुसृतय: खलयोनयस्ते दाक्षिण्यद‍ृष्टिपदवीं भवत: प्रणीता: ॥ ७ ॥
yat-pāda-padma-makaranda-niṣevaṇena
[yat-paada-padma-makaranda-nishevanena]
brahmādayaḥ śaraṇadāśnuvate vibhūtīḥ
[brahmaadayah sharanadaashnuvate vibhooteeh]
kasmād vayaṁ kusṛtayaḥ khala-yonayas te
[kasmaad vayam kusritayah khala-yonayas te]
dākṣiṇya-dṛṣṭi-padavīṁ bhavataḥ praṇītāḥ
[daakshinya-drishti-padaveem bhavatah praneetaah]
Word-for-word
yat — of whom pāda-padma — of the lotus flower of the feet makaranda — of the honey niṣevaṇena — by tasting the sweetness of rendering service brahma-ādayaḥ — great personalities like Lord Brahmā śaraṇa-da — O my Lord, supreme shelter of everyone aśnuvate — enjoy vibhūtīḥ — benedictions given by You kasmāt — how vayam — we ku-sṛtayaḥ — all the rogues and thieves khala-yonayaḥ — born of an envious dynasty, namely that of the demons te — those asuras dākṣiṇya-dṛṣṭi-padavīm — the position bestowed by the merciful glance bhavataḥ — of Your Lordship praṇītāḥ — have achieved.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
yat-pāda-padma-makaranda-niṣevaṇena
yat
of whom
pāda-padma
of the lotus flower of the feet
makaranda
of the honey
niṣevaṇena
by tasting the sweetness of rendering service
brahmādayaḥ śaraṇadāśnuvate vibhūtīḥ
brahma-ādayaḥ
great personalities like Lord Brahmā
śaraṇa-da
O my Lord, supreme shelter of everyone
aśnuvate
enjoy
vibhūtīḥ
benedictions given by You
kasmād vayaṁ kusṛtayaḥ khala-yonayas te
kasmāt
how
vayam
we
ku-sṛtayaḥ
all the rogues and thieves
khala-yonayaḥ
born of an envious dynasty, namely that of the demons
te
those asuras
dākṣiṇya-dṛṣṭi-padavīṁ bhavataḥ praṇītāḥ
dākṣiṇya-dṛṣṭi-padavīm
the position bestowed by the merciful glance
bhavataḥ
of Your Lordship
praṇītāḥ
have achieved.
O supreme shelter of everyone, great personalities like Brahmā enjoy their perfection simply by tasting the honey of rendering service at Your lotus feet. But as for us, who are all rogues and debauchees born of an envious family of demons, how have we received Your mercy? It has been possible only because Your mercy is causeless.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
O supreme shelter of all beings! Brahmā and others enjoy their powers simply by tasting the honey of rendering service at your lotus feet. But how did we wicked fellows born of a demonic family, receive such great mercy? O giver of shelter! Brahmā and others enjoy wealth (vibhūtīḥ), but not the mercy that we have received. How did we who are vile (kusṛtayaḥ), famous as demons who should be punished (te), attain your kind (dākṣiṇya) glance? How did we become the recipients of such great mercy?
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Great personalities reach perfection by tasting service-honey; but we rogues from envious demon families — how have we received Your mercy? Only because it is causeless. There is no other explanation for the unworthy receiving favor.
Reflection Questions
  • Have I tried to find 'reasons' for the Lord's mercy on me when it is actually causeless?
  • Where does insisting on having earned mercy actually diminish the gift?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.8

↗
चित्रं तवेहितमहोऽमितयोगमाया- लीलाविसृष्टभुवनस्य विशारदस्य । सर्वात्मन: समद‍ृशोऽविषम: स्वभावो भक्तप्रियो यदसि कल्पतरुस्वभाव: ॥ ८ ॥
citraṁ tavehitam aho ’mita-yoga-māyā-
[chitram tavehitam aho ’mita-yoga-maayaa-]
līlā-visṛṣṭa-bhuvanasya viśāradasya
[leelaa-visrishta-bhuvanasya vishaaradasya]
sarvātmanaḥ samadṛśo ’viṣamaḥ svabhāvo
[sarvaatmanah samadrisho ’vishamah svabhaavo]
bhakta-priyo yad asi kalpataru-svabhāvaḥ
[bhakta-priyo yad asi kalpataru-svabhaavah]
Word-for-word
citram — very wonderful tava īhitam — all Your activities aho — alas amita — unlimited yoga-māyā — of Your spiritual potency līlā — by the pastimes visṛṣṭa-bhuvanasya — of Your Lordship, by whom all the universes have been created viśāradasya — of Your Lordship, who are expert in all respects sarva-ātmanaḥ — of Your Lordship, who pervade all sama-dṛśaḥ — and who are equal toward all aviṣamaḥ — without differentiation svabhāvaḥ — that is Your characteristic bhakta-priyaḥ — under the circumstances You become favorable to the devotees yat — because asi — You are kalpataru-svabhāvaḥ — having the characteristic of a desire tree.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
citraṁ tavehitam aho ’mita-yoga-māyā-
citram
very wonderful
tava īhitam
all Your activities
aho
alas
amita
unlimited
līlā-visṛṣṭa-bhuvanasya viśāradasya
sarvātmanaḥ samadṛśo ’viṣamaḥ svabhāvo
bhakta-priyo yad asi kalpataru-svabhāvaḥ
yoga-māyā
of Your spiritual potency
līlā
by the pastimes
visṛṣṭa-bhuvanasya
of Your Lordship, by whom all the universes have been created
viśāradasya
of Your Lordship, who are expert in all respects
sarva-ātmanaḥ
of Your Lordship, who pervade all
sama-dṛśaḥ
and who are equal toward all
aviṣamaḥ
without differentiation
svabhāvaḥ
that is Your characteristic
bhakta-priyaḥ
under the circumstances You become favorable to the devotees
yat
because
asi
You are
kalpataru-svabhāvaḥ
having the characteristic of a desire tree.
O my Lord, Your pastimes are all wonderfully performed by Your inconceivable spiritual energy; and by her perverted reflection, the material energy, You have created all the universes. As the Supersoul of all living entities, You are aware of everything, and therefore You are certainly equal toward everyone. Nonetheless, You favor Your devotees. This is not partiality, however, for Your characteristic is just like that of a desire tree, which yields everything according to one’s desire.
Purport

The Lord says in Bhagavad-gītā (9.29) :

samo ’haṁ sarva-bhūteṣu na me dveṣyo ’sti na priyaḥ ye bhajanti tu māṁ bhaktyā mayi te teṣu cāpy aham

“I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all. But whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend, is in Me, and I am also a friend to him.” The Supreme Personality of Godhead is certainly equal toward all living entities, but a devotee who fully surrenders at the lotus feet of the Lord is different from a nondevotee. In other words, everyone can take shelter at the lotus feet of the Lord to enjoy equal benedictions from the Lord, but nondevotees do not do so, and therefore they suffer the consequences created by the material energy. We can understand this fact by a simple example. The king or government is equal to all citizens. Therefore, if a citizen capable of receiving special favors from the government is offered such favors, this does not mean that the government is partial. One who knows how to receive favors from the authority can receive them, but one who does not neglects these favors and does not receive them. There are two classes of men — the demons and the demigods. The demigods are fully aware of the Supreme Lord’s position, and therefore they are obedient to Him, but even if demons know about the supremacy of the Lord they purposely defy His authority. Therefore, the Lord makes distinctions according to the mentality of the living being, but otherwise He is equal to everyone. Like a desire tree, the Lord fulfills the desires of one who takes shelter of Him, but one who does not take such shelter is distinct from the surrendered soul. One who takes shelter at the lotus feet of the Lord is favored by the Lord, regardless of whether such a person is a demon or a demigod.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
O Lord with unlimited powers of yoga! Your activities are inconceivable. Though equal to all, you show favoritism. You, who create the universe as your pastime by māyā, who know all beings, and who give life to all beings, show particular affection for your devotees. You have the nature of a desire tree. Not only have you shown mercy to devotees like me, but you show such mercy to any devotee whoever he may be. O Lord with unlimited powers of yoga (amita-yoga)! Your activities are beyond logic (citram). “What is so inconceivable?” Though you are equal to all, you show favoritism (visama-svabhāvaḥ). “What is the nature of my being equal?” You create the worlds by your māyā-śakti. You create everything. You know everything (viśāradasya). You give consciousness and life to all beings (sarvātmanaḥ). Your equality to all beings is shown by creating all beings, knowing all beings and giving life to all beings. “How is my favoritism shown?” You show affection for devotees, and not for others, among all those you have created. “Does that produce fault in me?” Not at all! This is a great quality in you! You have the nature of a desire tree. Just as desire tree fulfilled the desires of all who take shelter, and not the desires of those who do not take shelter, so you fulfill the desires of the devotes, who take shelter, and not others. You are affectionate to those who worship you. Thus you are actually very just. You have said: samo 'haṁ sarva-bhūteṣu na me dveṣyo 'sti na priyaḥ | ye bhajanti tu māṁ bhaktyā mayi te teṣu cāpy aham || I am equal to all living beings. I do not hate anyone nor do I favor anyone. To whatever extent a person worships me with devotion, I am attached to him in a similar way. BG 9.29
Personal Guidance
Your pastimes flow through inconceivable spiritual energy; material energy is its perverse reflection. You are equal to all, yet favor devotees — like a desire tree fulfilling each according to their asking.
Reflection Questions
  • Where do I read 'desire tree' as automatic abundance, missing that what one asks determines what one gets?
  • What am I 'asking' for, by my actions, that He is already arranging according to my real request?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.9

↗
श्रीभगवानुवाच वत्स प्रह्लाद भद्रं ते प्रयाहि सुतलालयम् । मोदमान: स्वपौत्रेण ज्ञातीनां सुखमावह ॥ ९ ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
[shree-bhagavaan uvaacha]
vatsa prahrāda bhadraṁ te
[vatsa prahraada bhadram te]
prayāhi sutalālayam
[prayaahi sutalaalayam]
modamānaḥ sva-pautreṇa
[modamaanah sva-pautrena]
jñātīnāṁ sukham āvaha
[jnaateenaam sukham aavaha]
Word-for-word
śrī-bhagavān uvāca — the Personality of Godhead said vatsa — O My dear son prahrāda — O Prahlāda Mahārāja bhadram te — all auspiciousness unto you prayāhi — please go sutala-ālayam — to the place known as Sutala modamānaḥ — in a spirit of jubilation sva-pautreṇa — with your grandson (Bali Mahārāja) jñātīnām — of your relatives and friends sukham — happiness āvaha — just enjoy.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
the Personality of Godhead said
vatsa
O My dear son
vatsa prahrāda bhadraṁ te
prahrāda
O Prahlāda Mahārāja
bhadram te
all auspiciousness unto you
prayāhi sutalālayam
prayāhi
please go
sutala-ālayam
to the place known as Sutala
modamānaḥ sva-pautreṇa
modamānaḥ
in a spirit of jubilation
sva-pautreṇa
with your grandson (Bali Mahārāja)
jñātīnāṁ sukham āvaha
jñātīnām
of your relatives and friends
sukham
happiness
āvaha
just enjoy.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My dear son Prahlāda, all good fortune unto you. For the time being, please go to the place known as Sutala and there enjoy happiness with your grandson and your other relatives and friends.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
The Lord said: My dear son Prahlāda, all good fortune unto you! Please go to the place known as Sutala while rejoicing and there enjoy happiness with your grandson and your other relatives.
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Prahlāda, all good fortune to you. For now, go to Sutala and enjoy happiness with your grandson and relatives. Even saints are sent to specific addresses. The Lord arranges geography for joy, not exile.
Reflection Questions
  • Where do I read an assigned address as exile when the Lord meant it as 'enjoy with family'?
  • What 'go to Sutala' have I received that I have been treating as demotion?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.10

↗
नित्यं द्रष्टासि मां तत्र गदापाणिमवस्थितम् । मद्दर्शनमहाह्लादध्वस्तकर्मनिबन्धन: ॥ १० ॥
nityaṁ draṣṭāsi māṁ tatra
[nityam drashtaasi maam tatra]
gadā-pāṇim avasthitam
[gadaa-paanim avasthitam]
mad-darśana-mahāhlāda-
[mad-darshana-mahaahlaada-]
dhvasta-karma-nibandhanaḥ
[dhvasta-karma-nibandhanah]
Word-for-word
nityam — constantly draṣṭā — the seer asi — you shall be mām — unto Me tatra — there (in Sutalaloka) gadā-pāṇim — with a club in My hand avasthitam — situated there mat-darśana — by seeing Me in that form mahā-āhlāda — by the great transcendental bliss dhvasta — having been vanquished karma-nibandhanaḥ — the bondage of fruitive activities.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
nityaṁ draṣṭāsi māṁ tatra
nityam
constantly
draṣṭā
the seer
asi
you shall be
mām
unto Me
tatra
there (in Sutalaloka)
gadā-pāṇim avasthitam
gadā-pāṇim
with a club in My hand
avasthitam
situated there
mad-darśana-mahāhlāda-
mat-darśana
by seeing Me in that form
mahā-āhlāda
by the great transcendental bliss
dhvasta-karma-nibandhanaḥ
dhvasta
having been vanquished
karma-nibandhanaḥ
the bondage of fruitive activities.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead assured Prahlāda Mahārāja: You shall be able to see Me there in My usual feature with conchshell, disc, club and lotus in My hand. Because of your transcendental bliss due to always personally seeing Me, you will have no further bondage to fruitive activities.
Purport

Karma-bandha, the bondage of fruitive activities, entails the repetition of birth and death. One performs fruitive activities in such a way that he creates another body for his next life. As long as one is attached to fruitive activities, he must accept another material body. This repeated acceptance of material bodies is called saṁsāra-bandhana. To stop this, a devotee is advised to see the Supreme Lord constantly. The kaniṣṭha-adhikārī, or neophyte devotee, is therefore advised to visit the temple every day and see the form of the Lord regularly. Thus the neophyte devotee can be freed from the bondage of fruitive activities.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
All bondage of karma has already been destroyed by the great bliss of seeing me. Now you will constantly see me there with a club in my hand. All saṁsāra caused by bondage of karma was already destroyed the first time you experienced bliss when you first saw me.
Personal Guidance
You shall see Me there with conch, disc, club, lotus; by always personally seeing Me, you will have no further bondage to karma. Constant darśana severs karma-bandha. The cure for the cycle is His visibility.
Reflection Questions
  • Have I made constant darśana realistic in my life — at least in temple, image, or memory?
  • Where am I trying to escape karma by effort when scripture says vision is the cut?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.11-12

↗
श्रीशुक उवाच आज्ञां भगवतो राजन्प्रह्लादो बलिना सह । बाढमित्यमलप्रज्ञो मूर्ध्‍न्याधाय कृताञ्जलि: ॥ ११ ॥ परिक्रम्यादिपुरुषं सर्वासुरचमूपति: । प्रणतस्तदनुज्ञात: प्रविवेश महाबिलम् ॥ १२ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca
[shree-shuka uvaacha]
ājñāṁ bhagavato rājan
[aajnaam bhagavato raajan]
prahrādo balinā saha
[prahraado balinaa saha]
bāḍham ity amala-prajño
[baadham ity amala-prajno]
mūrdhny ādhāya kṛtāñjaliḥ
[moordhny aadhaaya kritaanjalih]
parikramyādi-puruṣaṁ
[parikramyaadi-purusham]
sarvāsura-camūpatiḥ
[sarvaasura-chamoopatih]
praṇatas tad-anujñātaḥ
[pranatas tad-anujnaatah]
praviveśa mahā-bilam
[pravivesha mahaa-bilam]
Word-for-word
śrī-śukaḥ uvāca — Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said ājñām — the order bhagavataḥ — of the Supreme Personality of Godhead rājan — O King (Mahārāja Parīkṣit) prahrādaḥ — Mahārāja Prahlāda balinā saha — accompanied by Bali Mahārāja bāḍham — yes, sir, what You say is all right iti — thus amala-prajñaḥ — Prahlāda Mahārāja, who had clear intelligence mūrdhni — on his head ādhāya — accepting kṛta-añjaliḥ — with folded hands parikramya — after circumambulating ādi-puruṣam — the supreme original person, Bhagavān sarva-asura-camūpatiḥ — the master of all the chiefs of the demons praṇataḥ — after offering obeisances tat-anujñātaḥ — being permitted by Him (Lord Vāmana) praviveśa — entered mahā-bilam — the planet known as Sutala.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
śrī-śuka uvāca
śrī-śukaḥ uvāca
Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said
ājñāṁ bhagavato rājan
ājñām
the order
bhagavataḥ
of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
rājan
O King (Mahārāja Parīkṣit)
prahrādo balinā saha
prahrādaḥ
Mahārāja Prahlāda
balinā saha
accompanied by Bali Mahārāja
bāḍham ity amala-prajño
bāḍham
yes, sir, what You say is all right
iti
thus
amala-prajñaḥ
Prahlāda Mahārāja, who had clear intelligence
mūrdhny ādhāya kṛtāñjaliḥ
mūrdhni
on his head
ādhāya
accepting
kṛta-añjaliḥ
with folded hands
parikramyādi-puruṣaṁ
parikramya
after circumambulating
ādi-puruṣam
the supreme original person, Bhagavān
sarva-asura-camūpatiḥ
the master of all the chiefs of the demons
sarvāsura-camūpatiḥ
praṇatas tad-anujñātaḥ
praṇataḥ
after offering obeisances
tat-anujñātaḥ
being permitted by Him (Lord Vāmana)
praviveśa mahā-bilam
praviveśa
entered
mahā-bilam
the planet known as Sutala.
Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: Accompanied by Bali Mahārāja, my dear King Parīkṣit, Prahlāda Mahārāja, the master of all the chiefs of the demons, took the Supreme Lord’s order on his head with folded hands. After saying yes to the Lord, circumambulating Him and offering Him respectful obeisances, he entered the lower planetary system known as Sutala.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: O King! Accompanied by Bali Mahārāja, Prahlāda Mahārāja, the master of all the chiefs of the demons, took the Supreme Lord's order on his head with folded hands. After agreeing and circumambulating the Lord, offering respects and taking permission, he entered Sutala.
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Accompanied by Bali, Prahlāda took the Lord's order on his head with folded hands, circumambulated, offered obeisances, and entered Sutala. Even the highest devotee responds with full protocol. Surrender includes ritual completeness.
Reflection Questions
  • Do I complete the rituals of surrender or skip them as 'unnecessary' for a sincere heart?
  • What does the body-level completeness of obeisance teach me about the heart-level?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.13

↗
अथाहोशनसं राजन्हरिर्नारायणोऽन्तिके । आसीनमृत्विजां मध्ये सदसि ब्रह्मवादिनाम् ॥ १३ ॥
athāhośanasaṁ rājan
[athaahoshanasam raajan]
harir nārāyaṇo ’ntike
[harir naaraayano ’ntike]
āsīnam ṛtvijāṁ madhye
[aaseenam ritvijaam madhye]
sadasi brahma-vādinām
[sadasi brahma-vaadinaam]
Word-for-word
atha — thereafter āha — said uśanasam — unto Śukrācārya rājan — O King hariḥ — the Supreme Personality of Godhead nārāyaṇaḥ — the Lord antike — nearby āsīnam — who was sitting ṛtvijām madhye — in the group of all the priests sadasi — in the assembly brahma-vādinām — of the followers of Vedic principles.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
athāhośanasaṁ rājan
atha
thereafter
āha
said
uśanasam
unto Śukrācārya
rājan
O King
harir nārāyaṇo ’ntike
hariḥ
the Supreme Personality of Godhead
nārāyaṇaḥ
the Lord
antike
nearby
āsīnam ṛtvijāṁ madhye
āsīnam
who was sitting
ṛtvijām madhye
in the group of all the priests
sadasi brahma-vādinām
sadasi
in the assembly
brahma-vādinām
of the followers of Vedic principles.
Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nārāyaṇa, thereafter addressed Śukrācārya, who was sitting nearby in the midst of the assembly with the priests [brahma, hotā, udgātā and adhvaryu]. O Mahārāja Parīkṣit, these priests were all brahma-vādīs, followers of the Vedic principles for performing sacrifices.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
O King! Nārāyaṇa, who removes offenses, thereafter addressed Śukrācārya, who was sitting nearby in the midst of the assembly of priests, knowers of the Vedas. Hari means “the Lord who takes away the offense of Śukrācārya because he was related to Bali.”
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
The Lord then addressed Śukrācārya, who was sitting nearby with the four priests — all brahma-vādīs following Vedic principles. Even the guru who cursed Bali is still in the assembly. The Lord respects role, not just stance.
Reflection Questions
  • Where do I exile those who have erred recently, even when their role still has standing?
  • Whose presence in my assembly do I begrudge — and what would respecting their role open?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.14

↗
ब्रह्मन् सन्तनु शिष्यस्य कर्मच्छिद्रं वितन्वत: । यत् तत् कर्मसु वैषम्यं ब्रह्मद‍ृष्टं समं भवेत् ॥ १४ ॥
brahman santanu śiṣyasya
[brahman santanu shishyasya]
karma-cchidraṁ vitanvataḥ
[karma-chchidram vitanvatah]
yat tat karmasu vaiṣamyaṁ
[yat tat karmasu vaishamyam]
brahma-dṛṣṭaṁ samaṁ bhavet
[brahma-drishtam samam bhavet]
Word-for-word
brahman — O brāhmaṇa santanu — please describe śiṣyasya — of your disciple karma-chidram — the discrepancies in the fruitive activities vitanvataḥ — of he who was performing sacrifices yat tat — that which karmasu — in the fruitive activities vaiṣamyam — discrepancy brahma-dṛṣṭam — when it is judged by the brāhmaṇas samam — equipoised bhavet — it so becomes.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
brahman santanu śiṣyasya
brahman
O brāhmaṇa
santanu
please describe
śiṣyasya
of your disciple
karma-cchidraṁ vitanvataḥ
karma-chidram
the discrepancies in the fruitive activities
vitanvataḥ
of he who was performing sacrifices
yat tat karmasu vaiṣamyaṁ
yat tat
that which
karmasu
in the fruitive activities
vaiṣamyam
discrepancy
brahma-dṛṣṭaṁ samaṁ bhavet
brahma-dṛṣṭam
when it is judged by the brāhmaṇas
samam
equipoised
bhavet
it so becomes.
O best of the brāhmaṇas, Śukrācārya, please describe the fault or discrepancy in your disciple Bali Mahārāja, who engaged in performing sacrifices. This fault will be nullified when judged in the presence of qualified brāhmaṇas.
Purport

When Bali Mahārāja and Prahlāda Mahārāja had departed for the planet Sutala, Lord Viṣṇu asked Śukrācārya what the fault was in Bali Mahārāja for which Śukrācārya had cursed him. It might be argued that since Bali Mahārāja had now left the scene, how could his faults be judged? In reply to this, Lord Viṣṇu informed Śukrācārya that there was no need for Bali Mahārāja’s presence, for his faults and discrepancies could be nullified if judged before the brāhmaṇas. As will be seen in the next verse, Bali Mahārāja had no faults; Śukrācārya had unnecessarily cursed him. Nonetheless, this was better for Bali Mahārāja. Being cursed by Śukrācārya, Bali Mahārāja was deprived of all his possessions, with the result that the Supreme Personality of Godhead favored him for his strong faith in devotional service. Of course, a devotee is not required to engage in fruitive activities. As stated in the śāstra, sarvārhaṇam acyutejyā ( Bhāg. 4.31.14 ). By worshiping Acyuta, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one satisfies everyone. Because Bali Mahārāja had satisfied the Supreme Personality of Godhead, there were no discrepancies in his performance of sacrifices.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
O brāhmaṇa! Please reconcile the discrepancy in actions of your disciple Bali Mahārāja, who was engaged in performing sacrifices. The glance of brāhmaṇas will make the sacrifice complete. Please reconcile the faults which nullified the actions of Bali who was engaged in sacrifice. One should not say that one cannot complete the sacrifice without the sponsor of sacrifice, since the glance of the brāhmaṇas makes the sacrifice complete.
Related values & verses
Related verses
SB 4.31.14
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Please describe Bali's fault; it will be nullified when judged before qualified brāhmaṇas. The Lord arranges public adjudication — not as scapegoating but as resolution. Faults examined in proper company dissolve.
Reflection Questions
  • Where am I refusing public examination of a fault that, examined rightly, would be cleared?
  • Which 'qualified brāhmaṇas' would be the right audience for my own self-examination?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.15

↗
श्रीशुक्र उवाच कुतस्तत्कर्मवैषम्यं यस्य कर्मेश्वरो भवान् । यज्ञेशो यज्ञपुरुष: सर्वभावेन पूजित: ॥ १५ ॥
śrī-śukra uvāca
[shree-shukra uvaacha]
kutas tat-karma-vaiṣamyaṁ
[kutas tat-karma-vaishamyam]
yasya karmeśvaro bhavān
[yasya karmeshvaro bhavaan]
yajñeśo yajña-puruṣaḥ
[yajnesho yajna-purushah]
sarva-bhāvena pūjitaḥ
[sarva-bhaavena poojitah]
Word-for-word
śrī-śukraḥ uvāca — Śrī Śukrācārya said kutaḥ — where is that tat — of him (Bali Mahārāja) karma-vaiṣamyam — discrepancy in discharging fruitive activities yasya — of whom (Bali Mahārāja) karma-īśvaraḥ — the master of all fruitive activities bhavān — Your Lordship yajña-īśaḥ — You are the enjoyer of all sacrifices yajña-puruṣaḥ — You are the person for whose pleasure all sacrifices are offered sarva-bhāvena — in all respects pūjitaḥ — having worshiped.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
śrī-śukra uvāca
śrī-śukraḥ uvāca
Śrī Śukrācārya said
kutas tat-karma-vaiṣamyaṁ
kutaḥ
where is that
tat
of him (Bali Mahārāja)
karma-vaiṣamyam
discrepancy in discharging fruitive activities
yasya
of whom (Bali Mahārāja)
yasya karmeśvaro bhavān
karma-īśvaraḥ
the master of all fruitive activities
bhavān
Your Lordship
yajñeśo yajña-puruṣaḥ
yajña-īśaḥ
You are the enjoyer of all sacrifices
yajña-puruṣaḥ
You are the person for whose pleasure all sacrifices are offered
sarva-bhāvena
in all respects
sarva-bhāvena pūjitaḥ
pūjitaḥ
having worshiped.
Śukrācārya said: My Lord, You are the enjoyer and lawgiver in all performances of sacrifice, and You are the yajña-puruṣa, the person to whom all sacrifices are offered. If one has fully satisfied You, where is the chance of discrepancies or faults in his performances of sacrifice?
Purport

In Bhagavad-gītā (5.29) the Lord says, bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ sarva-loka-maheśvaram: the Lord, the supreme proprietor, is the actual person to be satisfied by the performance of yajñas. The Viṣṇu Purāṇa (3.8.9) says:

varṇāśramācāravatā puruṣeṇa paraḥ pumān viṣṇur ārādhyate panthā nanyat tat-toṣa-kāraṇam

All the Vedic ritualistic sacrifices are performed for the purpose of satisfying Lord Viṣṇu, the yajña-puruṣa. The divisions of society — brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, śūdra, brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa — are all meant to satisfy the Supreme Lord, Viṣṇu. To act according to this principle of the varṇāśrama institution is called varṇāśramācaraṇa. In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.13) , Sūta Gosvāmī says:

ataḥ pumbhir dvija-śreṣṭhā varṇāśrama-vibhāgaśaḥ svanuṣṭhitasya dharmasya saṁsiddhir hari-toṣaṇam

“O best among the twice-born, it is therefore concluded that the highest perfection one can achieve by discharging his prescribed duties according to caste divisions and orders of life is to please the Personality of Godhead.” Everything is meant to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, since Bali Mahārāja had satisfied the Lord, he had no faults, and Śukrācārya admitted that cursing him was not good.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
Śukrācārya said: Where is the chance of discrepancies in performance of sacrifice of a person like Bali who, with full dedication, worships you, the master of rituals, the master of sacrifices and sacrifice personified?
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
You are the enjoyer and yajña-puruṣa; if You are satisfied, where can discrepancies arise? Śukra's answer reframes the entire question. The Lord's satisfaction is the only relevant assessment.
Reflection Questions
  • Where do I worry about technical correctness when the deeper question is the Lord's satisfaction?
  • Have I asked whether He is satisfied — or only asked whether the form was right?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.16

↗
मन्त्रतस्तन्त्रतश्छिद्रं देशकालार्हवस्तुत: । सर्वं करोति निश्छिद्रमनुसङ्कीर्तनं तव ॥ १६ ॥
mantratas tantrataś chidraṁ
[mantratas tantratash chidram]
deśa-kālārha-vastutaḥ
[desha-kaalaarha-vastutah]
sarvaṁ karoti niśchidram
[sarvam karoti nishchidram]
anusaṅkīrtanaṁ tava
[anusankeertanam tava]
Word-for-word
mantrataḥ — in pronouncing the Vedic mantras improperly tantrataḥ — in insufficient knowledge for following regulative principles chidram — discrepancy deśa — in the matter of country kāla — and time arha — and recipient vastutaḥ — and paraphernalia sarvam — all these karoti — makes niśchidram — without discrepancy anusaṅkīrtanam — constantly chanting the holy name tava — of Your Lordship.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
mantratas tantrataś chidraṁ
mantrataḥ
in pronouncing the Vedic mantras improperly
tantrataḥ
in insufficient knowledge for following regulative principles
chidram
discrepancy
deśa-kālārha-vastutaḥ
deśa
in the matter of country
kāla
and time
arha
and recipient
vastutaḥ
and paraphernalia
sarvaṁ karoti niśchidram
sarvam
all these
karoti
makes
niśchidram
without discrepancy
anusaṅkīrtanaṁ tava
anusaṅkīrtanam
constantly chanting the holy name
tava
of Your Lordship.
There may be discrepancies in pronouncing the mantras and observing the regulative principles, and, moreover, there may be discrepancies in regard to time, place, person and paraphernalia. But when Your Lordship’s holy name is chanted, everything becomes faultless.
Purport

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has recommended:

harer nāma harer nāma harer nāmaiva kevalam kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva nāsty eva gatir anyathā

“In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of deliverance is chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.” ( Bṛhan-nāradīya Purāṇa 38.126) In this Age of Kali, it is extremely difficult to perform Vedic ritualistic ceremonies or sacrifices perfectly. Hardly anyone can chant the Vedic mantras with perfect pronunciation or accumulate the paraphernalia for Vedic performances. Therefore the sacrifice recommended in this age is saṅkīrtana, constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord. Yajñaiḥ saṅkīrtana-prāyair yajanti hi sumedhasaḥ ( Bhāg. 11.5.29). Instead of wasting time performing Vedic sacrifices, those who are intelligent, those who possess good brain substance, should take to the chanting of the Lord’s holy name and thus perform sacrifice perfectly. I have seen that many religious leaders are addicted to performing yajñas and spending hundreds and thousands of rupees for imperfect sacrificial performances. This is a lesson for those who unnecessarily execute such imperfect sacrifices. We should take the advice of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ( yajñaiḥ saṅkīrtana-prāyair yajanti hi sumedhasaḥ ). Although Śukrācārya was a strict brāhmaṇa addicted to ritualistic activities, he also admitted, niśchidram anusaṅkīrtanaṁ tava: “My Lord, constant chanting of the holy name of Your Lordship makes everything perfect.” In Kali-yuga the Vedic ritualistic ceremonies cannot be performed as perfectly as before. Therefore Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī has recommended that although one should take care to follow all the principles in every kind of spiritual activity, especially in worship of the Deity, there is still a chance of discrepancies, and one should compensate for this by chanting the holy name of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement we therefore give special stress to the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra in all activities.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
All faults in mantras, rules, in articles, participants, time and place are nullified by chanting your glories.
Related values & verses
Related verses
SB 11.5.29-30
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
There may be discrepancies in mantra, regulation, time, place, person, paraphernalia — but when Your name is chanted, everything becomes faultless. The name corrects what ritual cannot perfect. Especially in Kali, this is the path.
Reflection Questions
  • Where am I anxious about ritual perfection when nāma-saṅkīrtana is the actual repair?
  • Could I add chanting deliberately at the moment of imperfect performance?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.17

↗
तथापि वदतो भूमन् करिष्याम्यनुशासनम् । एतच्छ्रेय: परं पुंसां यत् तवाज्ञानुपालनम् ॥ १७ ॥
tathāpi vadato bhūman
[tathaapi vadato bhooman]
kariṣyāmy anuśāsanam
[karishyaamy anushaasanam]
etac chreyaḥ paraṁ puṁsāṁ
[etach chreyah param pumsaam]
yat tavājñānupālanam
[yat tavaajnaanupaalanam]
Word-for-word
tathāpi — although there was no fault on the part of Bali Mahārāja vadataḥ — because of your order bhūman — O Supreme kariṣyāmi — I must execute anuśāsanam — because it is Your order etat — this is śreyaḥ — that which is the most auspicious param — supreme puṁsām — of all persons yat — because tava ājñā-anupālanam — to obey Your order.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
tathāpi vadato bhūman
tathāpi
although there was no fault on the part of Bali Mahārāja
vadataḥ
because of your order
bhūman
O Supreme
kariṣyāmy anuśāsanam
kariṣyāmi
I must execute
anuśāsanam
because it is Your order
etac chreyaḥ paraṁ puṁsāṁ
etat
this is
śreyaḥ
that which is the most auspicious
param
supreme
puṁsām
of all persons
yat tavājñānupālanam
yat
because
tava ājñā-anupālanam
to obey Your order.
Lord Viṣṇu, I must nonetheless act in obedience to Your order because obeying Your order is most auspicious and is the first duty of everyone.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
Lord Viṣṇu! I must nonetheless act in obedience to your order because obeying your order is most auspicious for everyone.
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
I must nonetheless act in obedience to Your order; obeying You is most auspicious and is everyone's first duty. Śukra accepts even what his curse contradicted. Obedience to the Lord supersedes any prior commitment.
Reflection Questions
  • Where am I refusing to obey the Lord because doing so would contradict an old commitment of mine?
  • What 'first duty' has been crowded out by promises to lesser parties?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.18

↗
श्रीशुक उवाच प्रतिनन्द्य हरेराज्ञामुशना भगवानिति । यज्ञच्छिद्रं समाधत्त बलेर्विप्रर्षिभि: सह ॥ १८ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca
[shree-shuka uvaacha]
pratinandya harer ājñām
[pratinandya harer aajnaam]
uśanā bhagavān iti
[ushanaa bhagavaan iti]
yajña-cchidraṁ samādhatta
[yajna-chchidram samaadhatta]
baler viprarṣibhiḥ saha
[baler viprarshibhih saha]
Word-for-word
śrī-śukaḥ uvāca — Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said pratinandya — offering all obeisances hareḥ — of the Personality of Godhead ājñām — the order uśanāḥ — Śukrācārya bhagavān — the most powerful iti — thus yajña-chidram — discrepancies in the performance of sacrifices samādhatta — made it a point to fulfill baleḥ — of Bali Mahārāja vipra-ṛṣibhiḥ — the best brāhmaṇas saha — along with.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
śrī-śuka uvāca
śrī-śukaḥ uvāca
Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said
pratinandya harer ājñām
pratinandya
offering all obeisances
hareḥ
of the Personality of Godhead
ājñām
the order
uśanā bhagavān iti
uśanāḥ
Śukrācārya
bhagavān
the most powerful
iti
thus
yajña-cchidraṁ samādhatta
yajña-chidram
discrepancies in the performance of sacrifices
samādhatta
made it a point to fulfill
baler viprarṣibhiḥ saha
baleḥ
of Bali Mahārāja
vipra-ṛṣibhiḥ
the best brāhmaṇas
saha
along with.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: In this way, the most powerful Śukrācārya accepted the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead with full respect. Along with the best brāhmaṇas, he began to compensate for the discrepancies in the sacrifices performed by Bali Mahārāja.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: In this way, the most powerful Śukrācārya, joyfully executing the order of the Lord along with the best brāhmaṇas, compensated for the discrepancies and completed the sacrifice performed by Bali Mahārāja. Samādhatta means reconciled and completed. Another version has samādhāya. He executed the order. This verb should be supplied.
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Śukrācārya accepted the Lord's order with full respect and began, with the brāhmaṇas, to compensate for Bali's discrepancies. The cursing guru becomes the corrective party. The same hand that bound also repairs.
Reflection Questions
  • Where could a former opponent of mine be exactly the right partner to repair what they once damaged?
  • Have I let a 'curser' in my life become a 'corrector,' or have I refused the second posture from them?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.19

↗
एवं बलेर्महीं राजन् भिक्षित्वा वामनो हरि: । ददौ भ्रात्रे महेन्द्राय त्रिदिवं यत्परैर्हृतम् ॥ १९ ॥
evaṁ baler mahīṁ rājan
[evam baler maheem raajan]
bhikṣitvā vāmano hariḥ
[bhikshitvaa vaamano harih]
dadau bhrātre mahendrāya
[dadau bhraatre mahendraaya]
tridivaṁ yat parair hṛtam
[tridivam yat parair hritam]
Word-for-word
evam — thus baleḥ — from Bali Mahārāja mahīm — the land rājan — O King Parīkṣit bhikṣitvā — after begging vāmanaḥ — His Lordship Vāmana hariḥ — the Supreme Personality of Godhead dadau — delivered bhrātre — unto His brother mahā-indrāya — Indra, the King of heaven tridivam — the planetary system of the demigods yat — which paraiḥ — by others hṛtam — was taken.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
evaṁ baler mahīṁ rājan
evam
thus
baleḥ
from Bali Mahārāja
mahīm
the land
rājan
O King Parīkṣit
bhikṣitvā vāmano hariḥ
bhikṣitvā
after begging
vāmanaḥ
His Lordship Vāmana
hariḥ
the Supreme Personality of Godhead
dadau bhrātre mahendrāya
dadau
delivered
bhrātre
unto His brother
mahā-indrāya
Indra, the King of heaven
tridivaṁ yat parair hṛtam
tridivam
the planetary system of the demigods
yat
which
paraiḥ
by others
hṛtam
was taken.
O King Parīkṣit, thus having taken all the land of Bali Mahārāja by begging, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Vāmanadeva, delivered to His brother Indra all the land taken away by Indra’s enemy.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
O King! Thus having begged the land of Bali Mahārāja, the Supreme Lord Vāmana, delivered to his brother Indra all the land taken away by the demons.
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Having taken all Bali's land by begging, the Lord delivered it to His brother Indra. The complete arc: take from one, give to the next, restore right order. The Lord redistributes by His own logic.
Reflection Questions
  • Where have I lost something to a 'beggar' that the Lord may be redistributing to a 'brother' I cannot yet see?
  • What would I do differently if I believed every taking was part of a giving?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.20-21

↗
प्रजापतिपतिर्ब्रह्मा देवर्षिपितृभूमिपै: । दक्षभृग्वङ्गिरोमुख्यै: कुमारेण भवेन च ॥ २० ॥ कश्यपस्यादिते: प्रीत्यै सर्वभूतभवाय च । लोकानां लोकपालानामकरोद् वामनं पतिम् ॥ २१ ॥
prajāpati-patir brahmā
[prajaapati-patir brahmaa]
devarṣi-pitṛ-bhūmipaiḥ
[devarshi-pitri-bhoomipaih]
dakṣa-bhṛgv-aṅgiro-mukhyaiḥ
[daksha-bhrigv-angiro-mukhyaih]
kumāreṇa bhavena ca
[kumaarena bhavena cha]
kaśyapasyāditeḥ prītyai
[kashyapasyaaditeh preetyai]
sarva-bhūta-bhavāya ca
[sarva-bhoota-bhavaaya cha]
lokānāṁ loka-pālānām
[lokaanaam loka-paalaanaam]
akarod vāmanaṁ patim
[akarod vaamanam patim]
Word-for-word
prajāpati-patiḥ — the master of all Prajāpatis brahmā — Lord Brahmā deva — with the demigods ṛṣi — with the great saintly persons pitṛ — with the inhabitants of Pitṛloka bhūmipaiḥ — with the Manus dakṣa — with Dakṣa bhṛgu — with Bhṛgu Muni aṅgirāḥ — with Aṅgirā Muni mukhyaiḥ — with all the chiefs of the various planetary systems kumāreṇa — with Kārttikeya bhavena — with Lord Śiva ca — also kaśyapasya — of Kaśyapa Muni aditeḥ — of Aditi prītyai — for the pleasure sarva-bhūta-bhavāya — for the auspiciousness of all living entities ca — also lokānām — of all planetary systems loka-pālānām — of the predominating persons in all planets akarot — made vāmanam — Lord Vāmana patim — the supreme leader.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
prajāpati-patir brahmā
prajāpati-patiḥ
the master of all Prajāpatis
brahmā
Lord Brahmā
devarṣi-pitṛ-bhūmipaiḥ
deva
with the demigods
ṛṣi
with the great saintly persons
pitṛ
with the inhabitants of Pitṛloka
bhūmipaiḥ
with the Manus
dakṣa-bhṛgv-aṅgiro-mukhyaiḥ
dakṣa
with Dakṣa
bhṛgu
with Bhṛgu Muni
aṅgirāḥ
with Aṅgirā Muni
mukhyaiḥ
with all the chiefs of the various planetary systems
kumāreṇa bhavena ca
kumāreṇa
with Kārttikeya
bhavena
with Lord Śiva
ca
also
kaśyapasyāditeḥ prītyai
kaśyapasya
of Kaśyapa Muni
aditeḥ
of Aditi
prītyai
for the pleasure
sarva-bhūta-bhavāya ca
sarva-bhūta-bhavāya
for the auspiciousness of all living entities
ca
also
lokānāṁ loka-pālānām
lokānām
of all planetary systems
loka-pālānām
of the predominating persons in all planets
akarod vāmanaṁ patim
akarot
made
vāmanam
Lord Vāmana
patim
the supreme leader.
Lord Brahmā [the master of King Dakṣa and all other Prajāpatis], accompanied by all the demigods, the great saintly persons, the inhabitants of Pitṛloka, the Manus, the munis, and such leaders as Dakṣa, Bhṛgu and Aṅgirā, as well as Kārttikeya and Lord Śiva, accepted Lord Vāmanadeva as the protector of everyone. He did this for the pleasure of Kaśyapa Muni and his wife Aditi and for the welfare of all the inhabitants of the universe, including their various leaders.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
Lord Brahmā, accompanied by all the devatās, sages, Pitṛs, Manus, leaders such as Dakṣa, Bhṛgu and Aṅgirā, as well as Kārtikeya and Śiva, accepted Vāmana as the protector of all planets and devatās for the pleasure of Kaśyapa and his wife Aditi and for the welfare of all beings. Bhūmipā means the Manus.
Personal Guidance
Brahmā, Dakṣa, Bhṛgu, Aṅgirā, Kārttikeya, Śiva, and all the demigods accepted Vāmana as the protector of everyone — for Kaśyapa, Aditi, and universal welfare. The whole cosmic council ratifies. Real authority is collectively recognized.
Reflection Questions
  • Whom in my community is universally recognized as a protector — and have I joined the ratification?
  • Where do I withhold endorsement that the cosmos itself would freely give?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.22-23

↗
वेदानां सर्वदेवानां धर्मस्य यशस: श्रिय: । मङ्गलानां व्रतानां च कल्पं स्वर्गापवर्गयो: ॥ २२ ॥ उपेन्द्रं कल्पयांचक्रे पतिं सर्वविभूतये । तदा सर्वाणि भूतानि भृशं मुमुदिरे नृप ॥ २३ ॥
vedānāṁ sarva-devānāṁ
[vedaanaam sarva-devaanaam]
dharmasya yaśasaḥ śriyaḥ
[dharmasya yashasah shriyah]
maṅgalānāṁ vratānāṁ ca
[mangalaanaam vrataanaam cha]
kalpaṁ svargāpavargayoḥ
[kalpam svargaapavargayoh]
upendraṁ kalpayāṁ cakre
[upendram kalpayaam chakre]
patiṁ sarva-vibhūtaye
[patim sarva-vibhootaye]
tadā sarvāṇi bhūtāni
[tadaa sarvaani bhootaani]
bhṛśaṁ mumudire nṛpa
[bhrisham mumudire nripa]
Word-for-word
vedānām — (for the protection) of all the Vedas sarva-devānām — of all the demigods dharmasya — of all principles of religion yaśasaḥ — of all fame śriyaḥ — of all opulences maṅgalānām — of all auspiciousness vratānām ca — and of all vows kalpam — the most expert svarga-apavargayoḥ — of elevation to the heavenly planets or liberation from material bondage upendram — Lord Vāmanadeva kalpayām cakre — they made it the plan patim — the master sarva-vibhūtaye — for all purposes tadā — at that time sarvāṇi — all bhūtāni — living entities bhṛśam — very much mumudire — became happy nṛpa — O King.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
vedānāṁ sarva-devānāṁ
vedānām
(for the protection) of all the Vedas
sarva-devānām
of all the demigods
dharmasya yaśasaḥ śriyaḥ
dharmasya
of all principles of religion
yaśasaḥ
of all fame
śriyaḥ
of all opulences
maṅgalānāṁ vratānāṁ ca
maṅgalānām
of all auspiciousness
vratānām ca
and of all vows
kalpaṁ svargāpavargayoḥ
kalpam
the most expert
svarga-apavargayoḥ
of elevation to the heavenly planets or liberation from material bondage
upendraṁ kalpayāṁ cakre
upendram
Lord Vāmanadeva
kalpayām cakre
they made it the plan
patiṁ sarva-vibhūtaye
patim
the master
sarva-vibhūtaye
for all purposes
tadā
at that time
tadā sarvāṇi bhūtāni
sarvāṇi
all
bhūtāni
living entities
bhṛśaṁ mumudire nṛpa
bhṛśam
very much
mumudire
became happy
nṛpa
O King.
O King Parīkṣit, Indra was considered the King of all the universe, but the demigods, headed by Lord Brahmā, wanted Upendra, Lord Vāmanadeva, as the protector of the Vedas, the principles of religion, fame, opulence, auspiciousness, vows, elevation to the higher planetary system, and liberation. Thus they accepted Upendra, Lord Vāmanadeva, as the supreme master of everything. This decision made all living entities extremely happy.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
They made Upendra the master of all powers, competent to protect artha, dharma, kāma and moksa, all vows, all auspiciousness, all wealth, all fame, all dharma, all the devatās and all the Vedas. This decision made all living entities extremely happy. Kalpam means competent to protect.
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Indra ruled the universe, but the demigods wanted Upendra-Vāmana as protector of Vedas, dharma, fame, opulence, vows, elevation, liberation. Operational rulers need a deeper protector. Recognized authority is not enough; refuge in the Lord is needed.
Reflection Questions
  • Whom do I obey day-to-day, and whom do I take refuge in for the larger matters?
  • Where do I confuse the operational ruler with the actual protector?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.24

↗
ततस्त्विन्द्र: पुरस्कृत्य देवयानेन वामनम् । लोकपालैर्दिवं निन्ये ब्रह्मणा चानुमोदित: ॥ २४ ॥
tatas tv indraḥ puraskṛtya
[tatas tv indrah puraskritya]
deva-yānena vāmanam
[deva-yaanena vaamanam]
loka-pālair divaṁ ninye
[loka-paalair divam ninye]
brahmaṇā cānumoditaḥ
[brahmanaa chaanumoditah]
Word-for-word
tataḥ — thereafter tu — but indraḥ — the King of heaven puraskṛtya — keeping forward deva-yānena — by an airplane used by the demigods vāmanam — Lord Vāmana loka-pālaiḥ — with the chiefs of all other planets divam — to the heavenly planets ninye — brought brahmaṇā — by Lord Brahmā ca — also anumoditaḥ — being approved.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
tatas tv indraḥ puraskṛtya
tataḥ
thereafter
tu
but
indraḥ
the King of heaven
puraskṛtya
keeping forward
deva-yānena vāmanam
deva-yānena
by an airplane used by the demigods
vāmanam
Lord Vāmana
loka-pālair divaṁ ninye
loka-pālaiḥ
with the chiefs of all other planets
divam
to the heavenly planets
ninye
brought
brahmaṇā cānumoditaḥ
brahmaṇā
by Lord Brahmā
ca
also
anumoditaḥ
being approved.
Thereafter, along with all the leaders of the heavenly planets, Indra, the King of heaven, placed Lord Vāmanadeva before him and, with the approval of Lord Brahmā, brought Him to the heavenly planet in a celestial airplane.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
Thereafter, along with all the leaders of the heavenly planets, Indra, after honoring Vāmana, brought him to the heavenly planet in a celestial airplane with the approval of Brahmā. Indra worshipped (puraskṛtya) Vāmana with arghya, cloth and ornaments. Deva-yānena means “by a celestial airplane” or “by the path of the devatās.”
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Indra, with all the leaders and Brahmā's approval, placed Vāmana before him and brought Him to heaven by celestial airplane. Even Indra rides behind the Lord, not in front. Position is to follow, not to lead Him.
Reflection Questions
  • Where am I leading when scripture would have me follow behind the Lord?
  • What 'before me' position am I claiming that He should be holding?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.25

↗
प्राप्य त्रिभुवनं चेन्द्र उपेन्द्रभुजपालित: । श्रिया परमया जुष्टो मुमुदे गतसाध्वस: ॥ २५ ॥
prāpya tri-bhuvanaṁ cendra
[praapya tri-bhuvanam chendra]
upendra-bhuja-pālitaḥ
[upendra-bhuja-paalitah]
śriyā paramayā juṣṭo
[shriyaa paramayaa jushto]
mumude gata-sādhvasaḥ
[mumude gata-saadhvasah]
Word-for-word
prāpya — after obtaining tri-bhuvanam — the three worlds ca — also indraḥ — the King of heaven upendra-bhuja-pālitaḥ — being protected by the arms of Vāmanadeva, Upendra śriyā — by opulence paramayā — by supreme juṣṭaḥ — thus being served mumude — enjoyed gata-sādhvasaḥ — without fear of the demons.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
prāpya tri-bhuvanaṁ cendra
prāpya
after obtaining
tri-bhuvanam
the three worlds
ca
also
indraḥ
the King of heaven
upendra-bhuja-pālitaḥ
upendra-bhuja-pālitaḥ
being protected by the arms of Vāmanadeva, Upendra
śriyā paramayā juṣṭo
śriyā
by opulence
paramayā
by supreme
juṣṭaḥ
thus being served
mumude gata-sādhvasaḥ
mumude
enjoyed
gata-sādhvasaḥ
without fear of the demons.
Indra, King of heaven, being protected by the arms of Vāmanadeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, thus regained his rule of the three worlds and was reinstated in his own position, supremely opulent, fearless and fully satisfied.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
Indra, King of heaven, being protected by the arms of Vāmana, having regained his rule of the three worlds and endowed with the utmost wealth, lived happily without fear.
Personal Guidance
Protected by Vāmana's arms, Indra regained the three worlds — opulent, fearless, fully satisfied. The trio: regained position, removed fear, complete satisfaction. The Lord's protection produces all three; partial protection produces none.
Reflection Questions
  • Of these three — regained position, fearlessness, satisfaction — which is currently missing from my life?
  • Where am I trying to manufacture one of these when the actual root is His protection?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.26-27

↗
ब्रह्मा शर्व: कुमारश्च भृग्वाद्या मुनयो नृप । पितर: सर्वभूतानि सिद्धा वैमानिकाश्च ये ॥ २६ ॥ सुमहत् कर्म तद् विष्णोर्गायन्त: परमद्भ‍ुतम् । धिष्ण्यानि स्वानि ते जग्मुरदितिं च शशंसिरे ॥ २७ ॥
brahmā śarvaḥ kumāraś ca
[brahmaa sharvah kumaarash cha]
bhṛgv-ādyā munayo nṛpa
[bhrigv-aadyaa munayo nripa]
pitaraḥ sarva-bhūtāni
[pitarah sarva-bhootaani]
siddhā vaimānikāś ca ye
[siddhaa vaimaanikaash cha ye]
sumahat karma tad viṣṇor
[sumahat karma tad vishnor]
gāyantaḥ param adbhutam
[gaayantah param adbhutam]
dhiṣṇyāni svāni te jagmur
[dhishnyaani svaani te jagmur]
aditiṁ ca śaśaṁsire
[aditim cha shashamsire]
Word-for-word
brahmā — Lord Brahmā śarvaḥ — Lord Śiva kumāraḥ ca — also Lord Kārttikeya bhṛgu-ādyāḥ — headed by Bhṛgu Muni, one of the seven ṛṣis munayaḥ — the saintly persons nṛpa — O King pitaraḥ — the inhabitants of Pitṛloka sarva-bhūtāni — other living entities siddhāḥ — the residents of Siddhaloka vaimānikāḥ ca — human beings who can travel everywhere in outer space by airplane ye — such persons sumahat — highly praiseworthy karma — activities tat — all those (activities) viṣṇoḥ — done by Lord Viṣṇu gāyantaḥ — glorifying param adbhutam — uncommon and wonderful dhiṣṇyāni — to their respective planets svāni — own te — all of them jagmuḥ — departed aditim ca — as well as Aditi śaśaṁsire — praised all these activities of the Lord.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
brahmā śarvaḥ kumāraś ca
brahmā
Lord Brahmā
śarvaḥ
Lord Śiva
kumāraḥ ca
also Lord Kārttikeya
bhṛgv-ādyā munayo nṛpa
bhṛgu-ādyāḥ
headed by Bhṛgu Muni, one of the seven ṛṣis
munayaḥ
the saintly persons
nṛpa
O King
pitaraḥ sarva-bhūtāni
pitaraḥ
the inhabitants of Pitṛloka
sarva-bhūtāni
other living entities
siddhā vaimānikāś ca ye
siddhāḥ
the residents of Siddhaloka
vaimānikāḥ ca
human beings who can travel everywhere in outer space by airplane
ye
such persons
sumahat karma tad viṣṇor
sumahat
highly praiseworthy
karma
activities
tat
all those (activities)
viṣṇoḥ
done by Lord Viṣṇu
gāyantaḥ param adbhutam
gāyantaḥ
glorifying
param adbhutam
uncommon and wonderful
dhiṣṇyāni svāni te jagmur
dhiṣṇyāni
to their respective planets
svāni
own
te
all of them
jagmuḥ
departed
aditiṁ ca śaśaṁsire
aditim ca
as well as Aditi
śaśaṁsire
praised all these activities of the Lord.
Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva, Lord Kārttikeya, the great sage Bhṛgu, other saintly persons, the inhabitants of Pitṛloka and all other living entities present, including the inhabitants of Siddhaloka and living entities who travel in outer space by airplane, all glorified the uncommon activities of Lord Vāmanadeva. O King, while chanting about and glorifying the Lord, they returned to their respective heavenly planets. They also praised the position of Aditi.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
O King! Brahmā, Śiva, Kārttikeya, the sages headed by Bhṛgu, the Pitṛs and all other living entities present there, including the inhabitants of Siddhaloka and living entities who travel in outer space by airplane, after glorifying the uncommon activities of Vāmana, praised Aditi and returned to their respective planets.
Personal Guidance
Brahmā, Śiva, Kārttikeya, Bhṛgu, saints, Pitṛloka, Siddhas, and air-travelers all glorified Vāmana's activities while returning to their abodes — and they praised Aditi. The mother's vow is celebrated alongside the Lord's deeds. Yajña-fruit names everyone.
Reflection Questions
  • Whose vow undergirds my current life that I have not publicly honored?
  • Where do I credit a divine outcome without naming the human practitioner whose tapasya midwifed it?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.28

↗
सर्वमेतन्मयाख्यातं भवत: कुलनन्दन । उरुक्रमस्य चरितं श्रोतृणामघमोचनम् ॥ २८ ॥
sarvam etan mayākhyātaṁ
[sarvam etan mayaakhyaatam]
bhavataḥ kula-nandana
[bhavatah kula-nandana]
urukramasya caritaṁ
[urukramasya charitam]
śrotṝṇām agha-mocanam
[shrotreenaam agha-mochanam]
Word-for-word
sarvam — all etat — these incidents mayā — by me ākhyātam — have been described bhavataḥ — of you kula-nandana — O Mahārāja Parīkṣit, the pleasure of your dynasty urukramasya — of the Supreme Personality of Godhead caritam — activities śrotṝṇām — of the audience agha-mocanam — such hearing of the Lord’s activities certainly vanquishes the results of sinful activities.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
sarvam etan mayākhyātaṁ
sarvam
all
etat
these incidents
mayā
by me
ākhyātam
have been described
bhavataḥ kula-nandana
bhavataḥ
of you
kula-nandana
O Mahārāja Parīkṣit, the pleasure of your dynasty
urukramasya caritaṁ
urukramasya
of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
caritam
activities
śrotṝṇām agha-mocanam
śrotṝṇām
of the audience
agha-mocanam
such hearing of the Lord’s activities certainly vanquishes the results of sinful activities.
O Mahārāja Parīkṣit, pleasure of your dynasty, I have now described to you everything about the wonderful activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Vāmanadeva. Those who hear about this are certainly freed from all the results of sinful activities.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
O Mahārāja Parīkṣit, pleasure of your dynasty! I have now described to you everything about the activities of Vāmana, which destroy all sin in the listener.
Personal Guidance
I have described everything about Vāmana's wonderful activities; those who hear are freed from all sinful results. Hearing the right narrative cleanses. Mere passive attention to divine accounts is itself transformative.
Reflection Questions
  • Have I treated hearing as inert when scripture insists it is purifying?
  • What single narrative could I commit to re-hearing this week as actual remedy?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.29

↗
पारं महिम्न उरुविक्रमतो गृणानो य: पार्थिवानि विममे स रजांसि मर्त्य: । किं जायमान उत जात उपैति मर्त्य इत्याह मन्त्रद‍ृगृषि: पुरुषस्य यस्य ॥ २९ ॥
pāraṁ mahimna uruvikramato gṛṇāno
[paaram mahimna uruvikramato grinaano]
yaḥ pārthivāni vimame sa rajāṁsi martyaḥ
[yah paarthivaani vimame sa rajaamsi martyah]
kiṁ jāyamāna uta jāta upaiti martya
[kim jaayamaana uta jaata upaiti martya]
ity āha mantra-dṛg ṛṣiḥ puruṣasya yasya
[ity aaha mantra-drig rishih purushasya yasya]
Word-for-word
pāram — the measurement mahimnaḥ — of the glories uruvikramataḥ — of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who acts wonderfully gṛṇānaḥ — can count yaḥ — a person who pārthivāni — of the whole planet earth vimame — can count saḥ — he rajāṁsi — the atoms martyaḥ — a human being who is subject to death kim — what jāyamānaḥ — one who will take birth in the future uta — either jātaḥ — one who is already born upaiti — can do martyaḥ — a person subject to death iti — thus āha — said mantra-dṛk — who could foresee the Vedic mantras ṛṣiḥ — the great saintly Vasiṣṭha Muni puruṣasya — of the supreme person yasya — of whom.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
pāraṁ mahimna uruvikramato gṛṇāno
pāram
the measurement
mahimnaḥ
of the glories
uruvikramataḥ
of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who acts wonderfully
gṛṇānaḥ
can count
yaḥ pārthivāni vimame sa rajāṁsi martyaḥ
yaḥ
a person who
pārthivāni
of the whole planet earth
vimame
can count
saḥ
he
rajāṁsi
the atoms
martyaḥ
a human being who is subject to death
kiṁ jāyamāna uta jāta upaiti martya
kim
what
jāyamānaḥ
one who will take birth in the future
uta
either
jātaḥ
one who is already born
upaiti
can do
martyaḥ
a person subject to death
ity āha mantra-dṛg ṛṣiḥ puruṣasya yasya
iti
thus
āha
said
mantra-dṛk
who could foresee the Vedic mantras
ṛṣiḥ
the great saintly Vasiṣṭha Muni
puruṣasya
of the supreme person
yasya
of whom.
One who is subject to death cannot measure the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Trivikrama, Lord Viṣṇu, any more than he can count the number of atoms on the entire planet earth. No one, whether born already or destined to take birth, is able to do this. This has been sung by the great sage Vasiṣṭha.
Purport

Vasiṣṭha Muni has given a mantra about Lord Viṣṇu: na te viṣṇor jāyamāno na jāto mahimnaḥ pāram anantam āpa. No one can estimate the extent of the uncommonly glorious activities of Lord Viṣṇu. Unfortunately, there are so-called scientists who are subject to death at every moment but are trying to understand by speculation the wonderful creation of the cosmos. This is a foolish attempt. Long, long ago, Vasiṣṭha Muni said that no one in the past could measure the glories of the Lord and that no one can do so in the future. One must simply be satisfied with seeing the glorious activities of the Supreme Lord’s creation. The Lord therefore says in Bhagavad-gītā (10.42) , viṣṭabhyāham idaṁ kṛtsnam ekāṁśena sthito jagat: “With a single fragment of Myself, I pervade and support this entire universe.” The material world consists of innumerable universes, each one full of innumerable planets, which are all considered to be products of the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s material energy. Yet this is only one fourth of God’s creation. The other three fourths of creation constitute the spiritual world. Among the innumerable planets in only one universe, the so-called scientists cannot understand even the moon and Mars, but they try to defy the creation of the Supreme Lord and His uncommon energy. Such men have been described as crazy. Nūnaṁ pramattaḥ kurute vikarma ( Bhāg. 5.5.4 ). Such crazy men unnecessarily waste time, energy and money in attempting to defy the glorious activities of Urukrama, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
One who is subject to death cannot measure the glories of Trivikrama any more than he can count the number of atoms on the entire earth. No one, whether born already or destined to take birth, is able to do this. This has been sung by the great sage Vaśiṣṭha. I have described the whole story of Urukrama a little bit (ā ākhyātam). I have told a little about the beginning, middle and end of the whole story. “You should tell this story completely.” The human who can recite the complete glories of Urukrama would be able to count the particles of dust in the universe. Just as it is impossible to count all the dust particles in the universe, it is impossible to fully glorify the qualities of Viṣṇu. Can any mortal living now or in the future find an end to the glories of complete Lord? No one can do this. The sage Vaśiṣṭha, seer of mantras, has said this. Viṣṇor nu kaṁ vīryāṇi prāvocam: I will describe the mighty deeds of Viṣṇu, who took three steps. (Ṛg-veda 1.154.1) Na te viṣṇor jāyamāno na jāto mahimnāḥ pāram antam āpa: anyone born or to be born cannot find an end to the glories of Viṣṇu. (Ṛg-veda 7.99.2)
Related values & verses
Related verses
SB 5.5.4
Personal Guidance
A mortal cannot measure the glories of Trivikrama any more than count atoms on earth. Past or future, none can do it. Vasiṣṭha sang this. Honest acknowledgment of incommensurability is part of worship.
Reflection Questions
  • Where do I overestimate my capacity to understand the Lord, missing the worshipful posture of admitting I cannot?
  • What current quest of mine is the equivalent of counting atoms on earth?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.30

↗
य इदं देवदेवस्य हरेरद्भ‍ुतकर्मण: । अवतारानुचरितं श‍ृण्वन् याति परां गतिम् ॥ ३० ॥
ya idaṁ deva-devasya
[ya idam deva-devasya]
harer adbhuta-karmaṇaḥ
[harer adbhuta-karmanah]
avatārānucaritaṁ
[avataaraanucharitam]
śṛṇvan yāti parāṁ gatim
[shrinvan yaati paraam gatim]
Word-for-word
yaḥ — anyone who idam — this deva-devasya — of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is worshiped by the demigods hareḥ — of Lord Kṛṣṇa, Hari adbhuta-karmaṇaḥ — whose activities are all wonderful avatāra-anucaritam — activities performed in His different incarnations śṛṇvan — if one continues to hear yāti — he goes parām gatim — to the supreme perfection, back home, back to Godhead.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
ya idaṁ deva-devasya
yaḥ
anyone who
idam
this
deva-devasya
of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is worshiped by the demigods
harer adbhuta-karmaṇaḥ
hareḥ
of Lord Kṛṣṇa, Hari
adbhuta-karmaṇaḥ
whose activities are all wonderful
avatārānucaritaṁ
avatāra-anucaritam
activities performed in His different incarnations
śṛṇvan yāti parāṁ gatim
śṛṇvan
if one continues to hear
yāti
he goes
parām gatim
to the supreme perfection, back home, back to Godhead.
If one hears about the uncommon activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His various incarnations, he is certainly elevated to the higher planetary system or even brought back home, back to Godhead.
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
If one hears about the uncommon activities of the Lord in this incarnation, he attains Vaikuṇṭha. He who hears this story goes to the supreme destination.
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
One who hears about the Lord's uncommon activities in various incarnations is elevated to higher planets or returned home, back to Godhead. Hearing has graded outcomes — and the highest outcome is available.
Reflection Questions
  • Am I hearing for higher-planet outcomes or for the home-going outcome?
  • What in my hearing practice should change to aim at the highest possible result?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.23.31

↗
क्रियमाणे कर्मणीदं दैवे पित्र्येऽथ मानुषे । यत्र यत्रानुकीर्त्येत तत् तेषां सुकृतं विदु: ॥ ३१ ॥
kriyamāṇe karmaṇīdaṁ
[kriyamaane karmaneedam]
daive pitrye ’tha mānuṣe
[daive pitrye ’tha maanushe]
yatra yatrānukīrtyeta
[yatra yatraanukeertyeta]
tat teṣāṁ sukṛtaṁ viduḥ
[tat teshaam sukritam viduh]
Word-for-word
kriyamāṇe — upon the performance karmaṇi — of a ritualistic ceremony idam — this description of the characteristics of Vāmanadeva daive — to please the demigods pitrye — or to please the forefathers, as in a śrāddha ceremony atha — either mānuṣe — for the pleasure of human society, as in marriages yatra — wherever yatra — whenever anukīrtyeta — is described tat — that teṣām — for them sukṛtam — auspicious viduḥ — everyone should understand.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
kriyamāṇe karmaṇīdaṁ
kriyamāṇe
upon the performance
karmaṇi
of a ritualistic ceremony
idam
this description of the characteristics of Vāmanadeva
daive pitrye ’tha mānuṣe
daive
to please the demigods
pitrye
or to please the forefathers, as in a śrāddha ceremony
yatra yatrānukīrtyeta
atha
either
mānuṣe
for the pleasure of human society, as in marriages
yatra
wherever
yatra
whenever
anukīrtyeta
is described
tat teṣāṁ sukṛtaṁ viduḥ
tat
that
teṣām
for them
sukṛtam
auspicious
viduḥ
everyone should understand.
Whenever the activities of Vāmanadeva are described in the course of a ritualistic ceremony, whether the ceremony be performed to please the demigods, to please one’s forefathers in Pitṛloka, or to celebrate a social event like a marriage, that ceremony should be understood to be extremely auspicious.
Purport

There are three kinds of ceremonies — specifically, ceremonies to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead or the demigods, those performed for social celebrations like marriages and birthdays, and those meant to please the forefathers, like the śrāddha ceremony. In all these ceremonies, large amounts of money are spent for various activities, but here it is suggested that if along with this there is recitation of the wonderful activities of Vāmanadeva, certainly the ceremony will be carried out successfully and will be free of all discrepancies.

Thus end the Bhaktivedanta purports of the Eighth Canto, Twenty-third Chapter, of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, entitled “The Demigods Regain the Heavenly Planets.”

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
The wise know that the all rites for devatās, Pitṛs, or humans become fully executed when this story is recited. Thus ends the commentary on the Twenty-third Chapter of the Eighth Canto of the Bhāgavatam for the pleasure of the devotees, in accordance with the previous ācāryas. Chapter Twenty-four Appearance of Matsya
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Whenever Vāmana's activities are described in any ceremony — for demigods, ancestors, weddings, social events — that ceremony becomes extremely auspicious. Insert this narrative anywhere; it sanctifies everything.
Reflection Questions
  • Could I insert a brief mention of Vāmana's activities into my next family event?
  • Where do I keep secular events 'secular' when scripture says one telling could sanctify them?
📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io