| Canto 7: The Science of God | Chapter 14: Ideal Family Life |
Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.14.27-28
sarvam etac carācaram
tapo-vidyā-dayānvitam
SYNONYMS
atha — thereafter; deśān — places; pravakshyāmi — I shall describe; dharma-ādi — religious performances, etc.; śreya — auspiciousness; āvahān — which can bring; sah — that; vai — indeed; punya-tamah — the most sacred; deśah — place; sat-pātram — a Vaishnava; yatra — wherein; labhyate — is available; bimbam — the Deity (in the temple); bhagavatah — of the Supreme Personality of Godhead (who is the support); yatra — where; sarvam etat — of this entire cosmic manifestation; cara-acaram — with all the moving and nonmoving living entities; yatra — wherein; ha — indeed; brāhmana-kulam — association with brāhmanas; tapah — austerities; vidyā — education; dayā — mercy; anvitam — endowed with.
TRANSLATION
Nārada Muni continued: Now I shall describe the places where religious performances may be well executed. Any place where a Vaishnava is available is an excellent place for all auspicious activities. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is the support of this entire cosmic manifestation, with all its moving and nonmoving living entities, and the temple where the Deity of the Lord is installed is a most sacred place. Furthermore, places where learned brāhmanas observe Vedic principles by means of austerity, education and mercy are also most auspicious and sacred.
PURPORT
In this verse it is indicated that a Vaishnava temple where the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, is worshiped, and where Vaishnavas are engaged in the service of the Lord, is the best sacred place for performing any religious ceremonies. At the present day, especially in big, big cities, people live in small apartments and are not able to establish a Deity or temple. Under the circumstances, therefore, the centers and temples being established by the expanding Krishna consciousness movement are the best sacred places for performing religious ceremonies. Although people in general are no longer interested in religious ceremonies or Deity worship, the Krishna consciousness movement gives everyone the chance to advance in spiritual life by becoming Krishna conscious.
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His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, Founder Ācārya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness