Shloka 33
Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Renunciation, Austerities, Departure, and the Glory of Hearing His History
त्रि: कृत्व इदमाकर्ण्य नरो नार्यथवादृता । अप्रज: सुप्रजतमो निर्धनो धनवत्तम: ॥ ३३ ॥
triḥ kṛtva idam ākarṇya naro nāry athavādṛtā aprajaḥ su-prajatamo nirdhano dhanavattamaḥ
Whether man or woman, anyone who respectfully hears this narration of Mahārāja Pṛthu three times—if childless becomes blessed with many children, and if poor becomes exceedingly wealthy.
Materialistic persons who are very fond of money and great families worship different demigods to attain their desires, especially Goddess Durgā, Lord Śiva and Lord Brahmā. Such materialistic persons are called śriyaiśvarya-prajepsavaḥ. Śrī means “beauty,” aiśvarya means “riches,” prajā means “children,” and īpsavaḥ means “desiring.” As described in the Second Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, one has to worship various demigods for different types of benedictions. However, here it is indicated that simply by hearing of the life and character of Mahārāja Pṛthu one can have both riches and children in enormous quantities. One simply has to read and understand the history of the life and activities of Pṛthu Mahārāja. It is advised that one read them at least three times. Those who are materially afflicted will so benefit by hearing of the Supreme Lord and His devotees that they need not go to any demigod. The word suprajatamaḥ, “surrounded by many children,” is very significant in this verse, for one may have many children but may not have any qualified children. Here, however, it is stated ( su-prajatamaḥ ) that all the children thus attained would be qualified in education, wealth, beauty and strength — everything complete.
FAQs
This verse states that hearing (or reciting) this prayer three times brings honor and tangible blessings—childlessness is removed and poverty is alleviated.
As a phala-śruti, it encourages faith and steady practice; the Bhagavatam shows that sincere devotion can also harmonize one’s worldly life while guiding the hearer toward higher spiritual purpose.
Chant or hear the relevant Bhagavata prayer with attention and faith, cultivate gratitude and dharmic living, and treat any resulting improvement in life as support for deeper bhakti rather than the final goal.