Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 49

Raivata and Cākṣuṣa Manvantaras; Brahmā’s Prayers at Śvetadvīpa

Prelude to Samudra-manthana

Devanagari script

यथा हि स्कन्धशाखानां तरोर्मूलावसेचनम् । एवमाराधनं विष्णो: सर्वेषामात्मनश्च हि ॥ ४९ ॥

Transliteration

yathā hi skandha-śākhānāṁ taror mūlāvasecanam evam ārādhanaṁ viṣṇoḥ sarveṣām ātmanaś ca hi

Translation

正如把水浇在树根上，树干与枝条自然得以滋养；同样，礼敬毗湿奴便等于服务一切众生，因为祂是众生心中的至上灵（Paramātmā）。

Synonyms

• yathā: just as
• yathā: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/तुलना)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: yathā (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय (indeclinable), उपमानार्थक-अव्यय (comparative: 'just as')

• hi: indeed
• hi: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/निपात)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: hi (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय, निपात (particle), हेतौ/निश्चये (indeed/for)

• skandha-śākhānām: of the trunks and branches
• skandha-śākhānām: Sambandha (षष्ठी-सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: skandha (प्रातिपदिक) + śākhā (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग (skandha) + स्त्रीलिङ्ग (śākhā) समाहार-द्वन्द्व; षष्ठी विभक्ति (6th/genitive), बहुवचन (plural)

• taroḥ: of a tree
• taroḥ: Sambandha (षष्ठी-सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: taru (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, षष्ठी विभक्ति (6th/genitive), एकवचन (singular)

• mūla-avasecanam: watering of the root
• mūla-avasecanam: Karta (कर्ता/उपमेय-प्रथमा)
• Type: Noun
• Root: mūla (प्रातिपदिक) + avasecana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा/द्वितीया विभक्ति (1st/2nd; nominative/accusative), एकवचन; षष्ठी-तत्पुरुष (mūlasya avasecanam)

• evam: thus
• evam: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/प्रकार)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: evam (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय, प्रकारवाचक (manner: 'thus/in the same way')

• ārādhanam: worship
• ārādhanam: Karta (कर्ता/उपमेय-प्रथमा)
• Type: Noun
• Root: ārādhana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा/द्वितीया विभक्ति (1st/2nd), एकवचन

• viṣṇoḥ: of Vishnu
• viṣṇoḥ: Sambandha (षष्ठी-सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: viṣṇu (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, षष्ठी विभक्ति (6th/genitive), एकवचन

• sarveṣām: of all
• sarveṣām: Sambandha (षष्ठी-सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: sarva (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: सर्वनाम-शब्द (pronominal adjective), षष्ठी विभक्ति (6th/genitive), बहुवचन; त्रिलिङ्ग-प्रयोग (here: 'of all')

• ātmanaḥ: of the Self
• ātmanaḥ: Sambandha (षष्ठी-सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: ātman (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, षष्ठी विभक्ति (6th/genitive), एकवचन

• ca: and
• ca: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/समुच्चय)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: ca (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय, समुच्चयार्थक-निपात (conjunction: 'and')

• hi: indeed
• hi: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/निपात)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: hi (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय, निपात (particle), निश्चये (indeed)

Purport

As stated in the Padma Purāṇa:

Characters & Entities

• Viṣṇu

FAQs

What does Srimad Bhagavatam say about worshiping Viṣṇu as the best way to benefit everyone?

Bhagavatam 8.5.49 explains that worshiping Viṣṇu is like watering a tree’s root—by pleasing the Supreme Lord, who is the Self of all, everyone is naturally nourished and satisfied.

Why does Śukadeva Gosvāmī use the ‘watering the root’ example in Canto 8?

He uses it to show that devotion directed to Viṣṇu is not narrow or sectarian; because Viṣṇu is the indwelling Self of all beings, serving Him is the most complete and effective form of service.

How can I apply the teaching of Bhagavatam 8.5.49 in modern life?

Prioritize sincere bhakti—chanting, prayer, and offering your work to Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa—while doing your duties; the verse teaches that spiritual centering on the Supreme naturally supports your relationships and responsibilities.