Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 9

The Disappearance of the Yadu Dynasty and Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Departure

Devanagari script

विधिरेष ह्यरिष्टघ्नो मङ्गलायनमुत्तमम् । देवद्विजगवां पूजा भूतेषु परमो भव: ॥ ९ ॥

Transliteration

vidhir eṣa hy ariṣṭa-ghno maṅgalāyanam uttamam deva-dvija-gavāṁ pūjā bhūteṣu paramo bhavaḥ

Translation

This is indeed the appropriate process for counteracting our imminent adversity, and it is sure to bring about the highest good fortune. Such worship of the demigods, brāhmaṇas and cows can earn the highest birth for all living entities.

Synonyms

• vidhiḥ: the rite/procedure
• vidhiḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: vidhi (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग (m.), प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन

• eṣaḥ: this
• eṣaḥ: Visheshya (विशेष्य)
• Type: Noun
• Root: etad (प्रातिपदिक/सर्वनाम)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग (m.), प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; सर्वनाम (pronoun)

• hi: indeed
• hi: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: hi (अव्यय)
• Form: निपात (particle), हेत्वर्थ/निश्चयार्थ (‘indeed/for’)

• ariṣṭa-ghnaḥ: destroying misfortune
• ariṣṭa-ghnaḥ: Visheshana (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: ariṣṭa (प्रातिपदिक) + ghna (कृदन्त-प्रातिपदिक, √han)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग (m.), प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; उपपद-तत्पुरुष: ‘अरिष्टं हन्ति’ (destroyer of misfortune)

• maṅgala-ayanam: a source of auspiciousness
• maṅgala-ayanam: Visheshana (विशेषण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: maṅgala (प्रातिपदिक) + ayana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग (n.), प्रथमा/द्वितीया-विभक्ति, एकवचन; तत्पुरुष: ‘मङ्गलस्य आयनम्’ (source/abode of auspiciousness)

• uttamam: supreme/excellent
• uttamam: Visheshana (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: uttama (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग (n.), प्रथमा/द्वितीया-विभक्ति, एकवचन; विशेषण

• deva-dvija-gavām: of the gods, brāhmaṇas, and cows
• deva-dvija-gavām: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/षष्ठी)
• Type: Noun
• Root: deva (प्रातिपदिक) + dvija (प्रातिपदिक) + go (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग (m.), षष्ठी-विभक्ति (Genitive), बहुवचन; इतरेतर-द्वन्द्व (genitive plural): ‘देवानां च द्विजानां च गवां च’

• pūjā: worship
• pūjā: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: pūjā (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग (f.), प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन

• bhūteṣu: among beings
• bhūteṣu: Adhikarana (अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: bhūta (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग (n.), सप्तमी-विभक्ति (Locative), बहुवचन

• paramaḥ: supreme
• paramaḥ: Visheshana (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: parama (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग (m.), प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; विशेषण

• bhavaḥ: welfare/prosperity (well-being)
• bhavaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: bhava (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग (m.), प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन

FAQs

What does Srimad Bhagavatam say is the highest auspicious conduct?

It teaches that the best auspicious practice is to honor the devatās, brāhmaṇas, and cows, and to cultivate supreme goodwill toward all living beings.

Who speaks this instruction in Bhagavatam 11.30.9?

Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks this verse while narrating the events surrounding the Lord’s departure and the end of the Yadu dynasty.

How can I apply 'bhūteṣu paramaḥ bhavaḥ' in modern life?

Practice nonviolence and compassion in thought, speech, and action—show respect, offer help where possible, and avoid harming any creature, while keeping devotion and reverence for sacred beings and dharmic principles.