Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 15

Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift

Devanagari script

भवानाचरितान्धर्मानास्थितो गृहमेधिभि: । ब्राह्मणै: पूर्वजै: शूरैरन्यैश्चोद्दामकीर्तिभि: ॥ १५ ॥

Transliteration

bhavān ācaritān dharmān āsthito gṛhamedhibhiḥ brāhmaṇaiḥ pūrvajaiḥ śūrair anyaiś coddāma-kīrtibhiḥ

Translation

Tu também observaste os princípios de dharma seguidos por grandes pessoas: brāhmaṇas chefes de família, teus antepassados e heróis de fama imensa por seus feitos elevados.

Synonyms

• bhavān: you (honorific)
• bhavān: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: bhavat (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: सर्वनाम-आदरार्थ; पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन

• ācaritān: practised/observed
• ācaritān: Visheshana (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: ā-√car (धातु) + kta (कृत् प्रत्यय)
• Form: भूतकर्मणि कृदन्त (past participle); पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, बहुवचन

• dharmān: duties/laws
• dharmān: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: dharma (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, बहुवचन

• āsthitaḥ: having followed
• āsthitaḥ: Kriyā-pūraka (क्रियापूरक)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: ā-√sthā (धातु) + kta (कृत् प्रत्यय)
• Form: भूतकर्मणि कृदन्त; पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन; ‘having undertaken/abiding in’

• gṛhamedhibhiḥ: by householders
• gṛhamedhibhiḥ: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: gṛhamedhin (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (Instrumental/करण), बहुवचन

• brāhmaṇaiḥ: by brāhmaṇas
• brāhmaṇaiḥ: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: brāhmaṇa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया, बहुवचन

• pūrvajaiḥ: by ancestors/forefathers
• pūrvajaiḥ: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: pūrvaja (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया, बहुवचन

• śūraiḥ: by heroes
• śūraiḥ: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: śūra (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया, बहुवचन

• anyaiḥ: by others
• anyaiḥ: Karana (करण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: anya (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया, बहुवचन

• ca: and
• ca: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: ca (अव्यय)
• Form: समुच्चयार्थक-अव्यय (conjunction)

• uddāma-kīrtibhiḥ: by those of great fame
• uddāma-kīrtibhiḥ: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: uddāma (प्रातिपदिक) + kīrti (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: कर्मधारय: ‘unbounded fame’; स्त्रीलिङ्ग (kīrti), तृतीया, बहुवचन

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about grihastha-dharma (householder duties)?

This verse praises one who is firmly established in dharma traditionally practiced by exemplary householders, brāhmaṇas, and honored ancestors—showing that household life can be fully aligned with Vedic righteousness.

Why does Shukadeva Gosvami glorify traditional dharma in this verse?

In narrating the events of Canto 8, Shukadeva highlights how adherence to time-tested religious principles—followed by saintly brāhmaṇas and noble lineages—creates a foundation for divine protection and auspicious outcomes.

How can I apply this shloka’s teaching in modern life?

Live responsibly within your role—family, work, and community—while anchoring decisions in dharma: integrity, self-control, respect for elders/teachers, and daily spiritual practice.