Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 13

Chapter 19

Devanagari script

तान् अहं ते 'भिधास्यामि देव-व्रत-मखाच् छ्रुतान् ।

ज्ञान-वैराग्य-विज्ञान-श्रद्धा-भक्त्युपबृंहितान् ॥

Transliteration

tān ahaṃ te 'bhidhāsyāmi deva-vrata-makhāc chrutān / jñāna-vairāgya-vijñāna- śraddhā-bhakty-upabṛṃhitān //

Translation

Je vais maintenant t’exposer ces principes, entendus lors du sacrifice de Deva-vrata (Bhīṣma), et enrichis de connaissance, de détachement, de compréhension réalisée, de foi et de dévotion (bhakti).

Synonyms

• tān: those (teachings)
• tān: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: tad (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine (पुंलिङ्ग), Accusative (2nd—द्वितीया), Plural (बहुवचन); demonstrative pronoun referring to teachings

• aham: I
• aham: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: asmad (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Pronoun (सर्वनाम), Nominative (1st—प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• te: to you
• te: Sampradana (सम्प्रदान)
• Type: Noun
• Root: tvad (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Pronoun (सर्वनाम), Dative (4th—चतुर्थी), Singular (एकवचन)

• abhidhāsyāmi: I shall explain
• abhidhāsyāmi: Kriya (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: abhidhā (अभिधा धातु)
• Form: Future (लृट्), Parasmaipada (परस्मैपद), 1st person (उत्तमपुरुष), Singular (एकवचन)

• deva-vrata-makhāt: from Devavrata (Bhīṣma)
• deva-vrata-makhāt: Apadana (अपादान)
• Type: Noun
• Root: deva (प्रातिपदिक) + vrata (प्रातिपदिक) + makha (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine (पुंलिङ्ग), Ablative (5th—पञ्चमी), Singular (एकवचन); tatpuruṣa: deva-vrata = ‘Devavrata’ (name of Bhīṣma) + makha ‘sacrifice’; ‘from the sacrifice of Devavrata’ (i.e., from Bhīṣma)

• śrutān: heard
• śrutān: Karma (कर्म) — qualifier
• Type: Adjective
• Root: śru (श्रु धातु) + kta (क्त)
• Form: Past passive participle (क्त), Masculine (पुंलिङ्ग), Accusative (2nd—द्वितीया), Plural (बहुवचन); qualifies tān

• jñāna-vairāgya-vijñāna-śraddhā-bhakti-upabṛṃhitān: strengthened by knowledge, detachment, realization, faith, and devotion
• jñāna-vairāgya-vijñāna-śraddhā-bhakti-upabṛṃhitān: Karma (कर्म) — qualifier
• Type: Adjective
• Root: jñāna (प्रातिपदिक) + vairāgya (प्रातिपदिक) + vijñāna (प्रातिपदिक) + śraddhā (प्रातिपदिक) + bhakti (प्रातिपदिक) + upabṛṃhita (उप+बृंह् धातु + क्त)
• Form: Masculine (पुंलिङ्ग), Accusative (2nd—द्वितीया), Plural (बहुवचन); tatpuruṣa: ‘upabṛṃhita’ = ‘strengthened/enhanced’ by (instrumental sense) jñāna, vairāgya, vijñāna, śraddhā, bhakti; qualifies tān (teachings)

Purport

In this verse the speaker signals a transition into a structured teaching—“tān…abhidhāsyāmi,” “I will describe them to you.” The knowledge being presented is not merely theoretical: it is said to be strengthened (upabṛṁhita) by five complementary virtues—jñāna (spiritual knowledge), vairāgya (detachment from temporary enjoyments), vijñāna (realized, lived wisdom), śraddhā (faith grounded in śāstra and saintly association), and bhakti (loving devotion to the Supreme Lord). Bhagavata philosophy repeatedly emphasizes that true liberation and clarity arise when knowledge matures into devotion; otherwise, jñāna can remain dry, and vairāgya can become negative or prideful. By referencing teachings “heard from the sacrifice of Deva-vrata,” the verse also anchors the instruction in an authoritative lineage and sacred context—Vedic truths are preserved and transmitted through hearing (śravaṇa) in sanctified assemblies. For seekers, the practical message is that spiritual progress is holistic: cultivate learning, inner renunciation, and steady faith, but let bhakti be the living force that integrates and sweetens them all.

Characters & Entities

• Kṛṣṇa
• Uddhava
• Deva-vrata

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about combining jñāna and bhakti?

This verse says the Lord’s teachings are “enriched” when knowledge and detachment are supported by realized understanding, faith, and devotion—indicating bhakti completes and deepens jñāna.

Why does Kṛṣṇa speak of teachings ‘heard from the sacrifice of Deva-vrata’?

He is grounding the instruction in an authoritative sacred context and emphasizing śravaṇa (hearing) as the reliable means of receiving Vedic wisdom through tradition.

How can I apply jñāna-vairāgya with bhakti in modern life?

Study scripture regularly, simplify habits that increase attachment, and connect both to daily devotion—chanting, prayer, and service—so knowledge becomes lived realization rather than mere information.