Shloka 29

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

Devanagari script

रक्तकण्ठखगानीकस्वरमण्डितषट्पदम् । कलहंसकुलप्रेष्ठं खरदण्डजलाशयम् ॥ २९ ॥

Transliteration

rakta-kaṇṭha-khagānīka- svara-maṇḍita-ṣaṭpadam kalahaṁsa-kula-preṣṭhaṁ kharadaṇḍa-jalāśayam

Translation

In that celestial forest, the sweet calls of red-throated birds blended with the humming of bees, and the lakes were adorned with flocks of calling swans and lotuses on sturdy stems.

Synonyms

• rakta-kaṇṭha-khagānīka-svara-maṇḍita-ṣaṭpadam: adorned with bees, made musical by flocks of red-throated birds
• rakta-kaṇṭha-khagānīka-svara-maṇḍita-ṣaṭpadam: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: rakta + kaṇṭha + khaga + anīka + svara + maṇḍita + ṣaṭpada (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative (2nd), Singular; adjective qualifying (implicit) vanam; multi-member determinative: ‘ṣaṭpadam (bees) maṇḍitam (adorned) by the sounds (svara) of flocks (anīka) of birds (khaga) with red throats (rakta-kaṇṭha)’

• kalahaṁsa-kula-preṣṭham: dear to flocks of swans
• kalahaṁsa-kula-preṣṭham: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: kala-haṁsa + kula + preṣṭha (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative (2nd), Singular; adjective qualifying vanam; तत्पुरुषः—‘kalahaṁsānāṃ kulasya preṣṭham’

• kharadaṇḍa-jalāśayam: having the lake (named) Kharadaṇḍa
• kharadaṇḍa-jalāśayam: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: kharadaṇḍa + jalāśaya (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative (2nd), Singular; adjective qualifying vanam; तत्पुरुषः—‘kharadaṇḍa-nāmakaṃ jalāśayam yasmin’ (having the lake named Kharadaṇḍa)

Purport

The beauty of the forest was intensified by the presence of various lakes. It is described herein that the lakes were decorated with lotus flowers and with swans who played and sang with the birds and the humming bees. Considering all these attributes, one can imagine how beautiful this spot was and how much the demigods passing through enjoyed the atmosphere. There are many paths and beautiful spots created by man on this planet earth, but none of them can surpass those of Kailāsa, as they are described in these verses.

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the beauty of sacred places (tīrthas)?

This verse portrays a holy water-reservoir as spiritually uplifting—filled with melodious birds, bees, swans, and lotus-stalks—showing that tīrthas are described as naturally pure and devotion-inspiring.

Who is describing this lake in Bhagavatam Canto 4 Chapter 6?

Śukadeva Gosvāmī is narrating these details to Mahārāja Parīkṣit, using vivid nature imagery to set the sacred atmosphere of the scene.

Practical application: how can this verse guide modern devotional life?

It encourages creating or seeking serene, sattvic surroundings—clean water, natural beauty, and gentle soundscapes—to support japa, prayer, and contemplative devotion.