Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 20

Vibhūti-yoga in the Bhāgavata: The Lord’s Manifest Opulences and the Discipline of Control

Devanagari script

तीर्थानां स्रोतसां गङ्गा समुद्र: सरसामहम् । आयुधानां धनुरहं त्रिपुरघ्नो धनुष्मताम् ॥ २० ॥

Transliteration

tīrthānāṁ srotasāṁ gaṅgā samudraḥ sarasām aham āyudhānāṁ dhanur ahaṁ tripura-ghno dhanuṣmatām

Translation

在诸圣地与奔流之水中，我是净化的恒河；在静止的水体中，我是大海。于诸兵器中，我是弓；于执弓者中，我是摧毁三城的主湿婆。

Synonyms

• तीर्थानाम्: of sacred places / pilgrimages
• तीर्थानाम्: सम्बन्ध (षष्ठी/Genitive relation)
• Type: Noun
• Root: तीर्थ (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, षष्ठी-विभक्ति (6th/Genitive), बहुवचन

• स्रोतसाम्: of rivers/streams
• स्रोतसाम्: सम्बन्ध (षष्ठी/Genitive relation)
• Type: Noun
• Root: स्रोतस् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, षष्ठी-विभक्ति (6th/Genitive), बहुवचन

• गङ्गा: the Ganges
• गङ्गा: कर्तृ/उपमेय (कर्ता/Subject as identification)
• Type: Noun
• Root: गङ्गा (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (1st/Nominative), एकवचन

• समुद्रः: the ocean
• समुद्रः: कर्तृ/उपमेय (Subject as identification)
• Type: Noun
• Root: समुद्र (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (1st/Nominative), एकवचन

• सरसाम्: of lakes/ponds
• सरसाम्: सम्बन्ध (षष्ठी/Genitive relation)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सरस् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, षष्ठी-विभक्ति (6th/Genitive), बहुवचन

• अहम्: I
• अहम्: कर्ता (कर्ता/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अस्मद् (सर्वनाम-प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: उत्तमपुरुष-सर्वनाम, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (1st/Nominative), एकवचन

• आयुधानाम्: of weapons
• आयुधानाम्: सम्बन्ध (षष्ठी/Genitive relation)
• Type: Noun
• Root: आयुध (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, षष्ठी-विभक्ति (6th/Genitive), बहुवचन

• धनुः: the bow
• धनुः: कर्तृ/उपमेय (Subject as identification)
• Type: Noun
• Root: धनुस्/धनुः (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (1st/Nominative), एकवचन

• अहम्: I
• अहम्: कर्ता (कर्ता/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अस्मद् (सर्वनाम-प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: उत्तमपुरुष-सर्वनाम, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (1st/Nominative), एकवचन

• त्रिपुरघ्नः: the slayer of Tripura
• त्रिपुरघ्नः: कर्तृ/उपमेय (Subject as identification)
• Type: Noun
• Root: त्रिपुर (प्रातिपदिक) + हन् (धातु) → घ्न (कृदन्त-प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: तत्पुरुष-समास (त्रिपुरस्य घ्नः = Tripura-slayer); पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (1st/Nominative), एकवचन; कृदन्त: घ्न (हन्-धातु, ‘slayer’ अर्थे)

• धनुष्मताम्: of bowmen / archers
• धनुष्मताम्: सम्बन्ध (षष्ठी/Genitive relation)
• Type: Noun
• Root: धनुष्मत् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, षष्ठी-विभक्ति (6th/Genitive), बहुवचन

Purport

Lord Śiva used his bow to completely cover with arrows the three demoniac cities built by Maya Dānava.

Characters & Entities

• Krishna
• Uddhava
• Ganga
• Shiva (Tripuraghna)

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the Ganga’s spiritual significance?

In this verse, Krishna identifies the Gaṅgā as His own manifestation among sacred rivers, teaching that contact with the Gaṅgā is revered because it powerfully reminds devotees of the Lord’s presence and purity.

Why does Krishna mention Shiva as Tripuraghna among archers?

Krishna is describing His vibhūtis—His prominent manifestations—so He cites Śiva as Tripuraghna, famed for destroying Tripura with divine archery, showing that all extraordinary power and glory ultimately rest on the Lord.

How can I apply this teaching in modern life for bhakti?

Practice remembrance by linking greatness to Krishna: when you see a mighty river, the ocean, or exceptional skill, consciously recall that such excellence is a sign of the Supreme, strengthening gratitude and devotion.