Shloka 11

Duryodhana’s Envy at Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rājasūya and the Avabhṛtha Festival

Devanagari script

चित्रध्वजपताकाग्रैरिभेन्द्रस्यन्दनार्वभि: । स्वलङ्कृतैर्भटैर्भूपा निर्ययू रुक्‍ममालिन: ॥ ११ ॥

Transliteration

citra-dhvaja-patākāgrair ibhendra-syandanārvabhiḥ sv-alaṅkṛtair bhaṭair bhūpā niryayū rukma-mālinaḥ

Translation

Alle Könige, mit goldenen Halsketten geschmückt, brachen darauf zur Yamunā auf. Vor ihnen wehten buntfarbige Fahnen und Banner, und sie wurden von prächtig ausstaffierten Soldaten begleitet, die auf herrlichen Elefanten, Wagen und Pferden ritten.

Synonyms

• citra-dhvaja-patākāgraiḥ: with the tips of colorful flags and banners
• citra-dhvaja-patākāgraiḥ: Karaṇa (करणम्/Instrument)
• Type: Noun
• Root: citra (प्रातिपदिक) + dhvaja (प्रातिपदिक) + patākā (प्रातिपदिक) + agra (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Napumsaka, Tṛtīyā (3rd/तृतीया), Bahuvacana; samāsa: (citra-dhvaja-patākā)-agra = ‘tops of variegated flags and banners’

• ibhendra-syandana-arvabhiḥ: with the horses of the elephant-lords’ chariots
• ibhendra-syandana-arvabhiḥ: Karaṇa (करणम्/Instrument)
• Type: Noun
• Root: ibhendra (प्रातिपदिक) + syandana (प्रातिपदिक) + arva (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Napumsaka, Tṛtīyā (3rd/तृतीया), Bahuvacana; samāsa: ibhendra-syandana-arva = ‘horses of the chariots of lordly elephants’ (context: elephant-mounted/royal procession)

• su-alaṅkṛtaiḥ: well-adorned
• su-alaṅkṛtaiḥ: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषणम्) of bhaṭaiḥ
• Type: Adjective
• Root: su (उपसर्ग/अव्यय) + alaṅkṛta (कृदन्त; √alaṅkṛ/अलङ्कृ)
• Form: Puṁliṅga, Tṛtīyā (3rd/तृतीया), Bahuvacana; kta-participle (भूतकृदन्त/क्त) used adjectivally = ‘well-adorned’

• bhaṭaiḥ: by/with soldiers
• bhaṭaiḥ: Sahakārī/Karaṇa (सहकारी/करणम्)
• Type: Noun
• Root: bhaṭa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṁliṅga, Tṛtīyā (3rd/तृतीया), Bahuvacana

• bhūpāḥ: the kings
• bhūpāḥ: Kartā (कर्ता/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: bhūpa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṁliṅga, Prathamā (1st/प्रथमा), Bahuvacana

• niryayūḥ: went out / set forth
• niryayūḥ: Kriyā (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: √yā (धातु) with nis-/nir- (उपसर्ग)
• Form: Luṅ (Aorist/लुङ्), Parasmaipada, Prathama-puruṣa (3rd person/प्रथमपुरुष), Bahuvacana; ‘they went out’

• rukma-mālinaḥ: wearing golden garlands
• rukma-mālinaḥ: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषणम्) of bhūpāḥ
• Type: Adjective
• Root: rukma (प्रातिपदिक) + mālin (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṁliṅga, Prathamā (1st/प्रथमा), Bahuvacana; samāsa: rukma-mālin = ‘having garlands of gold’

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam describe about the Rajasuya procession in Canto 10?

In this verse, Śukadeva describes the kings departing in a grand procession—decorated soldiers, prominent flags and banners, and the full royal display of elephants, chariots, and horses.

Why are the kings described as wearing golden garlands (rukma-mālinaḥ) in Bhagavatam 10.75.11?

The golden garlands emphasize the ceremonial splendor and royal honor surrounding the Rajasuya context, showing how the assembled rulers appeared outwardly magnificent during the sacrificial festivities.

What is a practical takeaway from this verse for modern life?

External grandeur and celebration can be impressive, but the Bhagavatam’s larger narrative encourages seeing such opulence as temporary and remembering that true value lies in devotion and right purpose (dharma) behind one’s actions.