Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 32

Prahlāda Rejects Material Boons; Forgives His Father; Tripura and the Power of Remembrance

Devanagari script

तत: सम्पूज्य शिरसा ववन्दे परमेष्ठिनम् । भवं प्रजापतीन्देवान्प्रह्रादो भगवत्कला: ॥ ३२ ॥

Transliteration

tataḥ sampūjya śirasā vavande parameṣṭhinam bhavaṁ prajāpatīn devān prahrādo bhagavat-kalāḥ

Translation

Thereafter Prahlāda, a partial manifestation (kalā) of the Lord, bowed his head and offered reverence to Pārameṣṭhī Brahmā; he also paid homage to Śiva, the prajāpatis, and all the devas, for they are all parts of the Supreme Lord.

Synonyms

• tataḥ: then
• tataḥ: Kāla-adhikaraṇa (कालाधिकरण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: tatas (अव्यय)
• Form: Avyaya, adverb (क्रियाविशेषण) ‘then’

• sampūjya: having worshipped
• sampūjya: Pūrvakāla-kriyā (पूर्वकालक्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: sam-pūj (धातु)
• Form: Absolutive/gerund (ल्यप्/य), ‘having duly worshipped’

• śirasā: with (his) head
• śirasā: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: śiras (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Singular; ‘with (his) head’ i.e., bowing

• vavande: bowed; paid obeisance
• vavande: Kriyā (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: vand (धातु)
• Form: Perfect (लिट्), Ātmanepada, 3rd person, Singular

• parameṣṭhinam: Parameṣṭhin (Brahmā)
• parameṣṭhinam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: parameṣṭhin (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Singular

• bhavam: Bhava (Śiva)
• bhavam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: bhava (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Singular; name of Śiva

• prajāpatīn: the Prajāpatis
• prajāpatīn: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: prajāpati (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Plural

• devān: the gods
• devān: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: deva (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Plural

• prahrādaḥ: Prahlāda
• prahrādaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: prahrāda (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular

• bhagavat-kalāḥ: (who are) portions of the Lord
• bhagavat-kalāḥ: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण/अप्पोज़िशन)
• Type: Noun
• Root: bhagavat (प्रातिपदिक) + kalā (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Feminine, Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Plural; तत्पुरुषः—‘bhagavataḥ kalāḥ’ (parts/expansions of the Lord); used appositionally with bhavam, prajāpatīn, devān (as divine portions)

Characters & Entities

• Prahlāda
• Brahmā (Parameṣṭhī)
• Śiva (Bhava)
• Prajāpatis
• Devas

FAQs

Does the Srimad Bhagavatam teach devotees to respect Brahmā and Śiva?

Yes. This verse shows Prahlāda properly worshiping and offering obeisances to Brahmā, Śiva, the Prajāpatis, and other devas, modeling Vaiṣṇava humility and respect.

Why did Prahlāda bow to the demigods after Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva’s pastimes?

After the Lord’s appearance and the restoration of cosmic order, Prahlāda honored the Lord’s appointed administrators—Brahmā, Śiva, and the Prajāpatis—showing gratitude and proper devotional conduct.

How can I apply Prahlāda’s example in modern spiritual life?

Maintain devotion to the Supreme Lord while practicing humility—offer respect to elders, teachers, and rightful authorities without compromising one’s bhakti.