Shloka 17

Devahūti’s Prayers, Kapila’s Departure, and Devahūti’s Liberation

Siddhapada

Devanagari script

स्वच्छस्फटिककुड्येषु महामारकतेषु च । रत्नप्रदीपा आभान्ति ललना रत्नसंयुता: ॥ १७ ॥

Transliteration

svaccha-sphaṭika-kuḍyeṣu mahā-mārakateṣu ca ratna-pradīpā ābhānti lalanā ratna-saṁyutāḥ

Translation

Tường nhà làm bằng pha lê trong và ngọc lục bảo thượng hạng, trang trí bằng những ngọn đèn bằng châu báu rực sáng. Không cần ánh đèn khác, vì tia sáng của bảo thạch tự chiếu rạng khắp nhà. Các nữ nhân trong gia thất cũng được trang sức đầy đủ bằng châu báu.

Synonyms

• svaccha-sphaṭika-kuḍyeṣu: on the clear crystal walls
• svaccha-sphaṭika-kuḍyeṣu: Adhikaraṇa (अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: svaccha (प्रातिपदिक) + sphaṭika (प्रातिपदिक) + kuḍya (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṃliṅga (m.), Saptamī (Loc. 7), Bahuvacana (pl.); kuḍyeṣu = 'on/in walls' qualified by svaccha-sphaṭika

• mahā-mārakateṣu: on the great emeralds (emerald panels)
• mahā-mārakateṣu: Adhikaraṇa (अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: mahā (प्रातिपदिक) + mārakata (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṃliṅga (m.), Saptamī (Loc. 7), Bahuvacana (pl.)

• ca: and
• ca: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: ca (अव्यय)
• Form: Samuccaya-nipāta (conjunction/particle)

• ratna-pradīpāḥ: jewel-lamps
• ratna-pradīpāḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: ratna (प्रातिपदिक) + pradīpa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṃliṅga (m.), Prathamā (Nom. 1), Bahuvacana (pl.)

• ābhānti: shine
• ābhānti: Kriyā (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: √bhā (धातु)
• Form: Laṭ-lakāra (Present), Prathama-puruṣa (3rd), Bahuvacana (pl.); parasmaipada

• lalanāḥ: women
• lalanāḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: lalanā (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Strīliṅga (f.), Prathamā (Nom. 1), Bahuvacana (pl.)

• ratna-saṁyutāḥ: adorned with jewels
• ratna-saṁyutāḥ: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: ratna (प्रातिपदिक) + saṁyuta (प्रातिपदिक; √yuj क्त)
• Form: Strīliṅga (f.), Prathamā (Nom. 1), Bahuvacana (pl.); विशेषण qualifying lalanāḥ

Purport

It is understood from this statement that the opulences of household life were exhibited in valuable jewels, ivory, first-class marble, and furniture made of gold and jewels. The clothes are also mentioned as being decorated with golden filigree. Everything actually had some value. It was not like the furniture of the present day, which is cast in valueless plastic or base metal. The way of Vedic civilization is that whatever was used in household affairs had to be valuable. In case of need, such items of value could be exchanged immediately. Thus one’s broken and unwanted furniture and paraphernalia would never be without value. This system is still followed by Indians in household affairs. They keep metal utensils and golden ornaments or silver plates and valuable silk garments with gold embroidery, and in case of need, they can have some money in exchange immediately. There are exchanges for the moneylenders and the householders.

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the splendor of Vaikuntha or divine abodes?

This verse depicts a realm of perfect purity and brilliance—crystal walls, emerald surfaces, and jewel lamps—where even the residents adorned with gems shine, emphasizing the transcendental opulence of the Lord’s abode.

Why does Śukadeva Gosvāmī describe jewels, lamps, and ornamented women in this verse?

He uses vivid imagery to convey the extraordinary, non-material beauty and radiance of the divine setting, helping the listener contemplate the spiritual realm’s purity and magnificence.

How can a devotee apply this verse in modern life?

Use it as a meditation on spiritual purity and higher beauty—redirecting fascination with material luxury toward remembrance of the Lord’s abode and cultivating devotion over mere consumption.