Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 18

The Dynasty of Vaivasvata Manu Begins — Ilā/Sudyumna and the Birth of Purūravā

Devanagari script

यूयं ब्रह्मविदो युक्तास्तपसा दग्धकिल्बिषा: । कुत: सङ्कल्पवैषम्यमनृतं विबुधेष्विव ॥ १८ ॥

Transliteration

yūyaṁ brahma-vido yuktās tapasā dagdha-kilbiṣāḥ kutaḥ saṅkalpa-vaiṣamyam anṛtaṁ vibudheṣv iva

Translation

你们皆是通达梵（Brahman）真理之人，克己守定、心意平衡；以苦行已焚尽诸罪垢。你们的言语如诸天之言从不落空；那么你们的誓愿怎会出现差失？

Synonyms

• yūyam: you (all)
• yūyam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: yusmad (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Sarvanāma (सर्वनाम), Masculine, Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Plural (बहुवचन)

• brahma-vidaḥ: knowers of Brahman
• brahma-vidaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: brahman (प्रातिपदिक) + vid (कृदन्त; √vid ज्ञाने)
• Form: Tatpuruṣa samāsa (तत्पुरुष): brahma-vid ‘knower of Brahman’; Masculine, Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Plural (बहुवचन)

• yuktāḥ: disciplined / endowed (with yoga)
• yuktāḥ: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: yukta (कृदन्त; √yuj योजने)
• Form: Past passive participle (क्त/ktá), Masculine, Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Plural (बहुवचन)

• tapasā: by austerity
• tapasā: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: tapas (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Singular (एकवचन)

• dagdha-kilbiṣāḥ: with sins burnt away
• dagdha-kilbiṣāḥ: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: dagdha (कृदन्त; √dah दाहे) + kilbiṣa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Tatpuruṣa: ‘whose sins are burnt’; Masculine, Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Plural (बहुवचन)

• kutaḥ: whence? how could?
• kutaḥ: Sambandha/Hetu (सम्बन्ध/हेतु)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: kutas (अव्यय)
• Form: Avyaya, interrogative adverb (प्रश्नार्थक-अव्यय)

• saṅkalpa-vaiṣamyam: inconsistency of intention
• saṅkalpa-vaiṣamyam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: saṅkalpa (प्रातिपदिक) + vaiṣamya (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Tatpuruṣa: ‘inequality/contradiction in resolve’; Neuter, Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• anṛtam: falsehood
• anṛtam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: anṛta (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• vibudheṣu: among the wise
• vibudheṣu: Adhikaraṇa (अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: vibudha (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Locative (7th/सप्तमी), Plural (बहुवचन)

• iva: as if / like
• iva: Upamā (उपमा)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: iva (अव्यय)
• Form: Avyaya, particle of comparison (उपमावाचक-अव्यय)

Purport

We have learned from many Vedic literatures that a benediction or curse given by the demigods never proves false. By performing austerities and penances, by controlling the senses and mind, and by achieving full knowledge of the Absolute Truth, one is fully cleansed of material contamination. Then one’s words and blessings, like those of the demigods, are never a failure.

Characters & Entities

• Ikshvaku
• Brahmavids (sages/brāhmaṇas)
• Vibudhas (demigods)

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the truthfulness of realized sages?

This verse praises brahma-vids whose austerity has burned away sin, implying their words and vows are naturally truthful and consistent.

Why does King Ikshvaku question the possibility of untruth among the sages?

He reasons that those purified by tapas and established in spiritual knowledge should not display contradictory intentions, unlike occasional inconsistencies attributed to lesser celestial authorities.

How can I apply the teaching of saṅkalpa (resolve) in modern life?

Cultivate disciplined practice (yoga/niyama), reduce impurities through sincere austerity and restraint, and keep commitments aligned with truth—so your intentions and actions do not conflict.