Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 16

Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Homecoming, Sacrificial Assembly, and Instruction on Devotional Kingship

Devanagari script

व्यूढवक्षा बृहच्छ्रोणिर्वलिवल्गुदलोदर: । आवर्तनाभिरोजस्वी काञ्चनोरुरुदग्रपात् ॥ १६ ॥

Transliteration

vyūḍha-vakṣā bṛhac-chroṇir vali-valgu-dalodaraḥ āvarta-nābhir ojasvī kāñcanorur udagra-pāt

Translation

The chest of Mahārāja Pṛthu was very broad, his waist was very thick, and his abdomen, wrinkled by lines of skin, resembled in construction a leaf of a banyan tree. His navel was coiled and deep, his thighs were of a golden hue, and his instep was arched.

Synonyms

• व्यूढ-वक्षाः: broad-chested
• व्यूढ-वक्षाः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: व्यूढ (कृदन्त; व्यूह्/वह् धातु) + वक्षस् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; कर्मधारय; वक्षाः = वक्षस्-शब्दस्य प्रथमा एकवचन (irregular stem)

• बृहत्-श्रोणिः: broad-hipped
• बृहत्-श्रोणिः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: बृहत् (प्रातिपदिक) + श्रोणि (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; कर्मधारय

• वलि-वल्गु-दल-उदरः: having a belly with charming folds/creases
• वलि-वल्गु-दल-उदरः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: वलि (प्रातिपदिक) + वल्गु (प्रातिपदिक) + दल (प्रातिपदिक) + उदर (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; बहुपद-तत्पुरुष (वलिभिः वल्गुभिः दलैः युक्तम् उदरम् यस्य)

• आवर्त-नाभिः: with a whorled navel
• आवर्त-नाभिः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: आवर्त (प्रातिपदिक) + नाभि (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; कर्मधारय (आवर्तयुक्ता नाभिः यस्य)

• ओजस्वी: vigorous
• ओजस्वी: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: ओजस् (प्रातिपदिक) + विनि/स्विन् (तद्धित)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; तद्धितान्त (possessing vigor)

• काञ्चन-ऊरुः: golden-thighed
• काञ्चन-ऊरुः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: काञ्चन (प्रातिपदिक) + ऊरु (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; कर्मधारय (काञ्चनवत् ऊरू यस्य)

• उदग्र-पात्: with prominent feet
• उदग्र-पात्: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: उदग्र (प्रातिपदिक) + पाद (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; पात् = पाद-शब्दस्य प्रथमा एकवचन (छान्दस/वैदिक रूप); कर्मधारय

Characters & Entities

• Pṛthu Mahārāja

FAQs

What does Srimad Bhagavatam describe about King Pṛthu’s appearance in Canto 4 Chapter 21?

This verse describes Pṛthu Mahārāja’s auspicious physical features—broad chest, graceful abdomen and navel, golden thighs, and a dignified gait—signs of his exceptional strength, radiance, and royal virtue.

Why is King Pṛthu’s physical description important in the Bhagavata Purana?

In the Bhagavatam, the bodily marks of great souls often indicate inner qualities—ojas (spiritual and moral vigor), dignity, and fitness to protect citizens as a righteous, devotee king.

How can devotees apply the lesson of this shloka in modern life?

Rather than focusing on beauty for ego, the verse points to cultivating inner strength, discipline, and dignified conduct—qualities that naturally reflect outwardly in posture, behavior, and integrity.