Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 20

Brahmā Counsels the Demigods; Journey to Kailāsa; Śiva’s Tranquility and Brahmā’s Praise

Devanagari script

कुमुदोत्पलकह्लारशतपत्रवनर्द्धिभि: । नलिनीषु कलं कूजत्खगवृन्दोपशोभितम् ॥ १९ ॥ मृगै: शाखामृगै: क्रोडैर्मृगेन्द्रैर्ऋ क्षशल्यकै: । गवयै: शरभैर्व्याघ्रै रुरुभिर्महिषादिभि: ॥ २० ॥

Transliteration

kumudotpala-kahlāra- śatapatra-vanarddhibhiḥ nalinīṣu kalaṁ kūjat- khaga-vṛndopaśobhitam

Translation

There are different kinds of lotus flowers, such as kumuda, utpala and śatapatra. The forest appears to be a decorated garden, and the small lakes are full of various kinds of birds who whisper very sweetly. There are many kinds of other animals also, like deer, monkeys, boars, lions, ṛkṣas, śalyakas, forest cows, forest asses, tigers, small deer, buffalo and many other animals, who are fully enjoying their lives.

Synonyms

• मृगैः: with deer
• मृगैः: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: मृग (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन; instrumental plural

• शाखामृगैः: with monkeys (tree-animals)
• शाखामृगैः: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: शाखा-मृग (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन; शाखायां मृगाः = tree-dwelling animals/monkeys; instrumental plural

• क्रोडैः: with boars
• क्रोडैः: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: क्रोड (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन; instrumental plural

• मृगेन्द्रैः: with lions
• मृगेन्द्रैः: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: मृग-इन्द्र (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन; मृगाणाम् इन्द्राः = lords of beasts (lions); instrumental plural

• ऋक्षशल्यकैः: with bears and porcupines
• ऋक्षशल्यकैः: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: ऋक्ष-शल्यक (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन; द्वन्द्व: ऋक्षाः च शल्यकाः च (bears and porcupines); instrumental plural

• गवयैः: with gaurs/wild oxen
• गवयैः: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: गवय (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन; instrumental plural

• शरभैः: with śarabhas (a wild animal)
• शरभैः: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: शरभ (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन; instrumental plural

• व्याघ्रैः: with tigers
• व्याघ्रैः: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: व्याघ्र (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन; instrumental plural

• रुरुभिः: with ruru-deer (antelopes)
• रुरुभिः: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: रुरु (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन; instrumental plural

• महिषादिभिः: with buffaloes and the like
• महिषादिभिः: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: महिष-आदि (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन; महिषाः आदयः = buffaloes and others; instrumental plural

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the beauty of Vaikuṇṭha?

This verse describes Vaikuṇṭha-like lakes overflowing with many lotus varieties and filled with sweetly singing birds, emphasizing the divine, devotional atmosphere of the Lord’s abode.

Why is Śukadeva Gosvāmī describing lotuses and birds here?

He is narrating the vision of the Lord’s realm/manifestation where the devas go for shelter, showing that the Lord’s presence is accompanied by unsurpassed purity, harmony, and beauty.

Practical application of this verse in modern life?

Cultivate a “Vaikuṇṭha atmosphere” through sāttvika living—cleanliness, gentle speech, and devotional sound (kīrtana)—so the mind becomes peaceful and God-centered.