—json {

  "name":"SB 4.8.10",
  "h1":"SB 4.8.10",
  "label":"Text 10",
  "title":"Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 4.8.10",
  "description":"While the child, Dhruva Mahārāja, was trying to get on the lap of his father, Suruci, his stepmother, became very envious of the child, and with great pride she began to speak so as to be heard by the King himself."

} —

SB 4.8.10

तथा चिकीर्षमाणं तं सपत्न्यास्तनयं ध्रुवम् ।
सुरुचिः शृण्वतो राज्ञः सेर्ष्यमाहातिगर्विता ॥१०॥

Text

tathā cikīrṣamāṇaṁ taṁ
sapatnyās tanayaṁ dhruvam
suruciḥ śṛṇvato rājñaḥ
serṣyam āhātigarvitā

Synonyms

tathā—thus; cikīrṣamāṇam—the child Dhruva, who was trying to get up; tam—unto him; sa-patnyāḥ—of her co-wife (Sunīti); tanayam—son; dhruvam—Dhruva; suruciḥ—Queen Suruci; śṛṇvataḥ—while hearing; rājñaḥ—of the King; sa-īrṣyam—with envy; āha—said; atigarvitā—being too proud.

Translation

While the child, Dhruva Mahārāja, was trying to get on the lap of his father, Suruci, his stepmother, became very envious of the child, and with great pride she began to speak so as to be heard by the King himself.

Purport

The King, of course, was equally affectionate toward both his sons, Uttama and Dhruva, so he had a natural inclination to take Dhruva, as well as Uttama, on his lap. But because of his favoritism towards his queen Suruci, he could not welcome Dhruva Mahārāja, despite his feelings. King Uttānapāda's feeling was understood by Suruci, and therefore with great pride she began to speak about the King's affection for her. This is the nature of woman. If a woman understands that her husband regards her as a favorite and is especially affectionate to her, she takes undue advantage. These symptoms are visible even in such an elevated society as the family of Svāyambhuva Manu. Therefore it is concluded that the feminine nature of woman is present everywhere.