Shloka 38
The Slaying of Hiraṇyākṣa and the Triumph of Varāha
एतन्महापुण्यमलं पवित्रं धन्यं यशस्यं पदमायुराशिषाम् । प्राणेन्द्रियाणां युधि शौर्यवर्धनं नारायणोऽन्ते गतिरङ्ग शृण्वताम् ॥ ३८ ॥
etan mahā-puṇyam alaṁ pavitraṁ dhanyaṁ yaśasyaṁ padam āyur-āśiṣām prāṇendriyāṇāṁ yudhi śaurya-vardhanaṁ nārāyaṇo ’nte gatir aṅga śṛṇvatām
This narrative is supremely meritorious, spotless, and purifying; it bestows blessing, wealth, fame, longevity, and the desired boons. In battle it increases the strength of one’s prāṇa and senses, and it nourishes valor. O dear Śaunaka, one who hears it at life’s end is carried to the supreme abode of Nārāyaṇa.
Devotees are generally attracted by the narratives of the pastimes of the Lord, and even though they do not prosecute austerities or meditation, this very process of hearing attentively about the pastimes of the Lord will endow them with innumerable benefits, such as wealth, fame, longevity and other desirable aims of life. If one continues to hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, which is full of narratives of the pastimes of the Lord, at the end of this life, one is sure to be transferred to the eternal, transcendental abode of the Lord. Thus hearers are benefited both ultimately and for as long as they are in the material world. That is the supreme, sublime result of engaging in devotional service. The beginning of devotional service is to spare some time and listen to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from the right source. Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu also recommended five items of devotional service, namely to serve the devotees of the Lord, to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, to hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, to worship the Deity of the Lord and to live in a place of pilgrimage. Just performing these five activities can deliver one from the miserable condition of material life.
FAQs
This verse states that hearing this sacred narration is highly meritorious and purifying, brings auspiciousness and fame, strengthens one’s vitality and senses, and ultimately leads the listener to Nārāyaṇa as the final refuge.
After describing the Lord’s victory over Hiraṇyākṣa, Śukadeva highlights that such Bhagavata-kathā is not merely history—it purifies the heart and grants the highest end: remembrance of Nārāyaṇa at death.
Make regular time to hear or read Srimad Bhagavatam with attention and faith; the verse teaches that consistent śravaṇam purifies habits, strengthens inner resolve, and anchors the mind in God—especially at life’s critical moments.