Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 42

Kardama Muni’s Penance, Viṣṇu’s Darśana, and the Arrangement of Devahūti’s Marriage

Devanagari script

कदम्बचम्पकाशोककरञ्जबकुलासनै: । कुन्दमन्दारकुटजैश्चूतपोतैरलङ्कृतम् ॥ ४२ ॥ कारण्डवै: प्लवैर्हंसै: कुररैर्जलकुक्‍कुटै: । सारसैश्चक्रवाकैश्च चकोरैर्वल्गु कूजितम् ॥ ४३ ॥

Transliteration

kadamba-campakāśoka- karañja-bakulāsanaiḥ kunda-mandāra-kuṭajaiś cūta-potair alaṅkṛtam

Translation

Le lac Bindu-sarovara était paré d’arbres en fleurs tels que kadamba, campaka, aśoka, karañja, bakula, āsana, kunda, mandāra, kuṭaja et de jeunes manguiers. L’air était rempli des chants suaves des canards kāraṇḍava, des plavas, des cygnes, des balbuzards, des oiseaux d’eau, des grues, des cakravākas et des cakoras.

Synonyms

• kadamba-campaka-aśoka-karañja-bakula-āsanaiḥ: with kadamba, campaka, aśoka, karañja, bakula and āsana trees
• kadamba-campaka-aśoka-karañja-bakula-āsanaiḥ: Karaṇa (करण/Instrument)
• Type: Noun
• Root: kadamba (प्रातिपदिक) + campaka (प्रातिपदिक) + aśoka (प्रातिपदिक) + karañja (प्रातिपदिक) + bakula (प्रातिपदिक) + āsana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Plural; itaretara-dvandva: 'with kadamba, campaka, aśoka, karañja, bakula and āsana (trees)'

• kunda-mandāra-kuṭajaiḥ: with kunda, mandāra and kuṭaja
• kunda-mandāra-kuṭajaiḥ: Karaṇa (करण/Instrument)
• Type: Noun
• Root: kunda (प्रातिपदिक) + mandāra (प्रातिपदिक) + kuṭaja (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Plural; itaretara-dvandva: 'with kunda, mandāra and kuṭaja (plants/trees)'

• cūta-potaiḥ: with young mango trees
• cūta-potaiḥ: Karaṇa (करण/Instrument)
• Type: Noun
• Root: cūta (प्रातिपदिक) + pota (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Plural; 'with young mango trees/saplings'

• alaṅkṛtam: adorned
• alaṅkṛtam: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण/Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: √kṛ (धातु) with alam-; ta (कृदन्त; क्त)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Singular; past passive participle: 'adorned/decorated' (qualifies implied 'vanam')

Purport

For most of the trees, flowers, fruits and birds mentioned here as surrounding Bindu-sarovara Lake, English synonyms cannot be found. All the trees mentioned are very pious in that they produce a nice aromatic flower, such as the campaka, kadamba and bakula. The sweet sounds of waterfowl and cranes made the surrounding area as pleasant as possible and created a very suitable spiritual atmosphere.

Characters & Entities

• Kardama Muni
• Devahūti

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the beauty of Kardama Muni’s āśrama?

It describes the āśrama as naturally ornamented by many auspicious, fragrant trees and blossoms, indicating a pure, sattvic setting favorable for devotion and meditation.

Why is Śukadeva Gosvāmī describing trees and flowers in Canto 3 Chapter 21?

He is painting the sacred atmosphere of Kardama Muni’s residence, setting the scene for Devahūti’s meeting and the forthcoming appearance of Lord Kapila.

Practical application of this verse in modern life?

Create a calm, clean, and uplifting environment—through nature, simplicity, and purity—to support steady sādhana, prayer, and mindful living.