Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 9

The Sūtas Foretell the Glories and Future Deeds of King Pṛthu

Devanagari script

आप्याययत्यसौ लोकं वदनामृतमूर्तिना । सानुरागावलोकेन विशदस्मितचारुणा ॥ ९ ॥

Transliteration

āpyāyayaty asau lokaṁ vadanāmṛta-mūrtinā sānurāgāvalokena viśada-smita-cāruṇā

Translation

Le roi Pṛthu, par son visage comme une forme d’ambroisie, par ses regards affectueux et par son sourire limpide et charmant, vivifiera le monde. Son regard empreint d’amour accroîtra la vie paisible de chacun.

Synonyms

• आप्याययति: nourishes, gladdens
• आप्याययति: Kriyā (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: आ-प्यै/प्या (धातु)
• Form: लट् (Present/वर्तमान), परस्मैपद, प्रथमपुरुष, एकवचन; णिच् (causative) भावे: ‘to cause to thrive/satiate’

• असौ: he
• असौ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अदस् (सर्वनाम-प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: सर्वनाम, पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन

• लोकम्: the world, people
• लोकम्: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: लोक (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन

• वदनामृतमूर्तिना: by (his) nectar-like face/form
• वदनामृतमूर्तिना: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: वदन-अमृत-मूर्ति (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: समासः: तत्पुरुष (वदनस्य अमृतम् इव; अमृतमूर्तिः) बहुपद-समास; तृतीया विभक्ति (instrumental), एकवचन; पुं/नपुंसक-समासान्त (here instrumental singular)

• सानुरागावलोकेन: by an affectionate glance
• सानुरागावलोकेन: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: स-अनुराग-अवलोक (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: समासः: अव्ययीभाव/तत्पुरुष (अनुरागेन सह = with affection) + अवलोक (look); तृतीया, एकवचन; पुंलिङ्ग

• विशदस्मितचारुणा: with a bright, beautiful smile
• विशदस्मितचारुणा: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: विशद-स्मित-चारु (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: समासः: कर्मधारय (विशदं स्मितं यस्य; चारु = beautiful); तृतीया, एकवचन; पुंलिङ्ग (instrumental agreeing with implied ‘अवलोकेन/मूर्तिना’)

Characters & Entities

• Pṛthu Mahārāja

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the qualities of an ideal king like Pṛthu?

This verse describes Pṛthu as so pure and affectionate that even his face, glance, and gentle smile spiritually and emotionally nourish the people—showing that true leadership uplifts society through virtue and devotion.

Why is Pṛthu Mahārāja’s face compared to nectar (vadanāmṛta) in Bhagavatam?

Because his presence is life-giving and soothing—his speech, expression, and demeanor carry the sweetness and purity that comfort and inspire everyone who encounters him.

Practical application: how can this teaching be applied in modern life?

Cultivate leadership through compassion—offer others a respectful, affectionate outlook and a calm, sincere demeanor; even small acts like kind speech and a warm smile can “nourish” those around you.