Yat Labdhva Puman Siddho Bhavati (Narada Bhakti Sutra 4) — Word-by-Word Meaning

यल्लब्ध्वा पुमान् सिद्धो भवति

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

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Word-by-Word Breakdown

यत्

yat

Which (devotion), that which

लब्ध्वा

labdhvā

Having attained, having obtained (used after gaining devotion)

पुमान्

pumān

A person, a human being, the individual

सिद्धः

siddhaḥ

Perfect, fulfilled, one who has accomplished the goal of life

भवति

bhavati

Becomes, is

अमृतः

amṛtaḥ

Immortal, deathless (freed from death and rebirth)

तृप्तः

tṛptaḥ

Fully satisfied, content, wanting nothing more

यल्लब्ध्वा

yal labdhvā

On attaining which (devotion) — sandhi of yat + labdhvā

सिद्धो भवति

siddho bhavati

Becomes perfect (attains the very purpose of human existence)

अमृतो भवति तृप्तो भवति

amṛto bhavati tṛpto bhavati

Becomes immortal, becomes fully content — the threefold fruit of devotion

Complete Translation

On attaining which (devotion) a person becomes perfect, becomes immortal, and becomes fully satisfied.

Origin & History

Source: Narada Bhakti Sutra, Sutra 4

Author: Attributed to Devarshi Narada

Period: Ancient (classical period of the Bhakti tradition)

Having defined devotion as the supreme love for God, the sage Narada in this sutra proclaims its fruit: the one who attains such devotion becomes perfect, immortal and fully satisfied. The surrounding sutras explain that, having gained this love, the devotee no longer desires anything, grieves over anything, hates anything, delights in trifles or strives restlessly — for he has found the all. This aphorism is therefore cherished as Narada's assurance that the path of love brings the complete and final fulfilment of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Yat labdhva puman siddho bhavati' mean?▼

It means 'on attaining which (devotion) a person becomes perfect, becomes immortal, and becomes fully satisfied.' It is a sutra of the Narada Bhakti Sutra describing the supreme fruit of bhakti.

What are the three results of attaining bhakti?▼

The sutra names three: the person becomes siddha (perfect, accomplishing the goal of life), amrita (immortal, freed from death and rebirth), and tripta (fully satisfied, wanting nothing more). Devotion is thus shown to give complete and final fulfilment.

Why does the devotee become 'satisfied' (tripta)?▼

Because in attaining supreme love for God the devotee has gained the highest of all things. Having the Lord, there is nothing further to desire, so the heart rests in perfect contentment, free of the restlessness of craving.

How does this sutra relate to the definition of bhakti?▼

Earlier sutras define bhakti as supreme love for God; this sutra states its fruit — that on attaining such love a person becomes perfect, immortal and content. Together they show both what devotion is and what it bestows.

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