Text 33
triḥ kṛtva idam ākarṇya
naro nāry athavādṛtā
aprajaḥ su-prajatamo
nirdhano dhanavattamaḥ
triḥ — thrice; kṛtvaḥ — repeating; idam — this; ākarṇya — hearing; naraḥ — man; nārī — woman; athavā — or; ādṛtā — in great respect; aprajaḥ — one who has no children; su-praja-tamaḥ — surrounded by many children; nirdhanaḥ — without any money; dhana-vat — rich; tamaḥ — the greatest.
It does not matter whether one is a man or woman. Anyone who, with great respect, hears this narration of Mahārāja Pṛthu will become the parent of many children if without children, and will become the richest if without money.
Materialistic persons who are very fond of money and great families worship different demigods to attain their desires, especially Goddess Durgā, Lord Śiva and Lord Brahmā. Such materialistic persons are called śriyaiśvarya-prajepsavaḥ. Śrī means “beauty,” aiśvarya means “riches,” prajā means “children,” and īpsavaḥ means “desiring.” As described in the Second Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, one has to worship various demigods for different types of benedictions. However, here it is indicated that simply by hearing of the life and character of Mahārāja Pṛthu one can have both riches and children in enormous quantities. One simply has to read and understand the history of the life and activities of Pṛthu Mahārāja. It is advised that one read them at least three times. Those who are materially afflicted will so benefit by hearing of the Supreme Lord and His devotees that they need not go to any demigod. The word suprajatamaḥ, “surrounded by many children,” is very significant in this verse, for one may have many children but may not have any qualified children. Here, however, it is stated (su-prajatamaḥ) that all the children thus attained would be qualified in education, wealth, beauty and strength — everything complete.