Shloka 31

The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property

Devanagari script

कृष्ण: परिजनं प्राह भगवान् देवकीसुत: । ब्रह्मण्यदेवो धर्मात्मा राजन्याननुशिक्षयन् ॥ ३१ ॥

Transliteration

kṛṣṇaḥ parijanaṁ prāha bhagavān devakī-sutaḥ brahmaṇya-devo dharmātmā rājanyān anuśikṣayan

Translation

Then Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa, the son of Devakī—especially devoted to the brāhmaṇas and the very essence of dharma—spoke to His close associates, thereby instructing the royal order in general.

Synonyms

• कृष्णः: Kṛṣṇa
• कृष्णः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: कृष्ण (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन

• परिजनम्: his attendants/retinue
• परिजनम्: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: परिजन (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन

• प्राह: said
• प्राह: Kriya (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: √ब्रू (धातु)
• Form: लिट् (Perfect/परोक्षभूत), प्रथमपुरुष (3rd), एकवचन; परस्मैपद; रूपम्: प्राह

• भगवान्: the Blessed Lord
• भगवान्: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: भगवत् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; विशेषणरूपेण कृष्णस्य

• देवकी-सुतः: son of Devakī
• देवकी-सुतः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: देवकी + सुत (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; षष्ठी-तत्पुरुष (देवक्याः सुतः)

• ब्रह्मण्य-देवः: the god devoted to brāhmaṇas
• ब्रह्मण्य-देवः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: ब्रह्मण्य + देव (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; कर्मधारय (ब्रह्मण्यः देवः = ‘deity devoted to brāhmaṇas/Veda’)

• धर्म-आत्मा: whose nature is righteousness
• धर्म-आत्मा: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: धर्म + आत्मन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; बहुव्रीहि (धर्मः आत्मा यस्य)

• राजन्यान्: the kṣatriyas/royal men
• राजन्यान्: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: राजन्य (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), बहुवचन

• अनुशिक्षयन्: instructing
• अनुशिक्षयन्: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Verb
• Root: अनु-√शिक्ष् (धातु)
• Form: वर्तमान-कृदन्त (शतृ/Present active participle), पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; ‘instructing’ (agreeing with कृष्णः)

Characters & Entities

• Kṛṣṇa
• Devakī

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about Krishna as Brahmanya-deva?

This verse highlights Kṛṣṇa as brahmaṇya-deva—one who especially honors and protects brāhmaṇas and upholds dharma, showing that true leadership safeguards spiritual culture.

Why does Krishna instruct the royal class (kshatriyas) in this chapter?

In the context of resolving conflict and restoring justice, Kṛṣṇa uses the situation to educate rulers that their power must be guided by dharma, fairness, and respect for sacred principles.

Practical application of Krishna’s dharma teaching for modern life?

Whether leading a family, team, or community, act transparently, protect ethical and spiritual values, and use authority to educate and uplift rather than dominate.