Shloka 20
Nārada’s Arrival, the Nine Yogendras, and the Foundations of Bhāgavata-dharma
नवाभवन् महाभागा मुनयो ह्यर्थशंसिन: । श्रमणा वातरसना आत्मविद्याविशारदा: ॥ २० ॥ कविर्हविरन्तरीक्ष: प्रबुद्ध: पिप्पलायन: । आविर्होत्रोऽथ द्रुमिलश्चमस: करभाजन: ॥ २१ ॥
navābhavan mahā-bhāgā munayo hy artha-śaṁsinaḥ śramaṇā vāta-rasanā ātma-vidyā-viśāradāḥ
باقی نو بیٹے نہایت بخت آور مُنی تھے—پرمار্থ کے مبلغ، شرمن، دِگمبر اور آتما-وِدیا میں ماہر۔ ان کے نام تھے: کَوی، ہَوی، اَنتَریکش، پربُدھ، پِپّلاَیَن، آوِرہوتر، دُرمیل، چَمَس اور کَرَبھاجَن۔
Nimi, the King of Videha, asked the following nine questions of the nine Yogendras, the saintly sons of Ṛṣabha. (1) What is the highest good? (Chapter Two, verse 30); (2) What are the religious principles ( dharma ), natural proclivities ( svabhāva ), behavior ( ācāra ), speech ( vākya ) and outward symptoms ( lakṣaṇa ) of a bhāgavata, a Vaiṣṇava devotee of the Lord? (2.44); (3) What is the external energy of Viṣṇu, the Supreme Lord? (3.1); (4) How can one become dissociated from this māyā ? (3.17); (5)What is the true identity of Brahman? (3.34); (6) What are the three types of karma, namely karma based on the enjoyment of the fruits of work, karma offered to the Supreme Lord, and naiṣkarmya ? (3.41); (7) What are the various pastimes of the various incarnations of God? (4.1); (8) What is the aim or destination of one who is against the Supreme Lord and devoid of bhakti (in other words, a nondevotee)? (5.1); and (9)What are the respective colors, forms and names of the four yugāvatāras, the four incarnations of the Supreme Lord who appear in the four ages, and what is the process of worshiping each of Them? (5.19).
FAQs
This verse introduces them as nine exalted sages—renunciants expert in ātma-vidyā—who speak only what is truly beneficial.
It means “clad by the wind,” indicating they were naked ascetics, emphasizing complete renunciation and detachment.
Adopt speech that is truthful, purposeful, and spiritually uplifting—avoid talk that increases distraction, ego, or harm.