Srimad Bhāgavata Skanda 2 — Parikshit’s Cosmic Questions on the Truth of the Lord and His Creation
"The Bhagvan Sriman Narayana is the very essence of divine virtues, self-sustained, radiant with light, overflowing with boundless knowledge and bliss. He is the ‘Creator of The Universe,’ which encompasses countless forms of Himself, both the living beings and the non-living things. He sustains, transforms, and governs it all — bestowing both ignorance and wisdom, binding beings to the cycle of birth and death, and offering liberation to those who seek moksha. Thus, He is the Param, the Supreme.
In the dawn of creation, He manifested the first being, the four-faced Brahma, and gifted him the knowledge required to bring the cosmos into being. Through His blessings, wisdom unfolds. Though He seeks no gain for Himself, He creates and upholds the cosmos for the welfare of all living beings, endowed with all the wisdom necessary for such a grand design. For He is neither a juggler, nor a deceiver, crafting illusions in this world. Untainted by any flaw, He is the Satyam — the absolute truth.
With reverence, let us meditate upon Bhagvan Sriman Narayana, the embodiment of Satyam and Param."
"The Srimad Bhagavata encompasses the entirety of Dharma, safeguarding the soul from falling by purifying it, and guiding the individual soul towards the divine path leading to the Bhagvan. This sacred path calls for unwavering devotion — a life dedicated to honoring, worshipping, admiring, and praising the Bhagvan, free from jealousy, expectation, or deceit. As one treads upon this path, all obstacles dissolve, prosperity is bestowed, and the heart becomes imbued with virtue, turning one into a Sajjana, a virtuous soul. Above all, it fortifies bhakti, deepening one’s devotion.
Thus, the Srimad Bhagavata, composed by the Bhagvan in the form of sage Veda Vyasa shines as a beacon of truth, revealing Himself as Supreme Soul eternally resides in the heart of every living being."
"Salutations to Bhagvan Sriman Narayana, the eternal support of all, including the divine Goddess Lakshmi, and the very essence of the Srimad Bhagavata. Salutations to Bhagvan Veda Vyasa, the revered composer of this sacred scripture. Salutations to Devi, the Goddess of Fortune, who perpetually serves the Bhagvan and bestows the blessings of abundance upon all Bhagavatas, enriching them with the divine knowledge of Srimad Bhagavata — a wealth that encompasses Jnana, Bhakti, and Vairagya.
Salutations to the Gods Brahma and Vayu, the noblest of beings. Salutations to Sarasvati, the Goddess of Knowledge and Devotion, who inspires both wisdom and bhakti. Salutations to the divine Garuda, Sesha and Shiva, the greatest among the Vaishnavas.
Salutations to the Srimad Bhagavata, the sacred text that brings forth eternal victory and spiritual triumph."
The brightness of the Sun, Fire, Moon, Planets, Stars, Gems, Precious stones and Lightening put together is just like a firefly near the astonishing brilliance emanating from your lotus of Heart wherein the five forms of Bhagvan Sri Rama, Sri Narasimha, Sri Veda Vyasa, Sri Krishna and Sriman Narayana are present in a significant way bestowing you the Brahmavarchas or the Sacred Knowledge.
Gentle & Holy Sage, Sri Raghavendra, I worship you by surrendering myself.
After hearing the wondrous wisdom of Sri Shukacharya in the earlier sections of Skanda 2—where the Virāṭ Puruṣa, the cosmic form of the Supreme Bhagvan, was described in all its majestic vastness—King Parikshit’s heart grew even more eager to understand the deeper truths of creation. The mysteries of the lotus emerging from the Bhagvan’s navel, the birth of Brahmā, the unfolding of the universe, and the Bhagvan’s untouched transcendence had already stirred within him a profound yearning to know: Who is this Supreme Being beyond all embodiments? Now, standing at the threshold of even subtler revelations, Parikshit begins a new series of inquiries—seeking clarity on the nature of the Bhagvan’s form, the structure of the cosmos, the cycles of time, the role of karma, and the dharmas that sustain the world. Thus begins a dialogue filled with philosophical brilliance and devotional depth, guiding the seeker from cosmic vision to eternal truth.
आसीद्यदुदरात्पद्मं लोकसंस्थानलक्षणम् ।
यावानयं वै पुरुष इयत्तावयवैः पृथक् ।
तावानसाविति प्रोक्तः संस्थावयववानिव ॥ ८॥
“O Sri Shukacharya! You mentioned that a lotus sprouted from the navel of the Supreme Bhagvan, and the universe with fourteen regions were born from that lotus. You also explained that the soul of a living being is distinct from the limited material body it inhabits. If that is so, then does it also apply to the Supreme Bhagvan—that His form, like the body of a living being, is separate or different from Himself? If the Bhagvan is unlimited and eternal, how are we to understand this form, which appears finite or embodied? Kindly clarify this subtle truth, for I seek to understand the nature of the Bhagvan’s form and presence in creation,” inquired Parikshit.
अजः सृजति भूतानि भूतात्मा यदनुग्रहात् ।
ददृशे येन तद्रूपं नाभिपद्मसमुद्भवः ॥ ९॥
स चापि यत्र पुरुषो विश्वस्थित्युद्भवाप्ययः ।
मुक्त्वाऽऽत्ममायां मायेशः शेते सर्वगुहाशयः ॥ १०॥
Continuing his inquiry, King Parikshit asked:
“O revered Sri Shukacharya! Please tell me—from whose grace did God Brahmā gain the power to create all living beings and non-living things in this vast cosmos? From whose lotus-navel was Brahmā himself born? And by whose mercy was he able to see and speak with that Supreme Being?
That very Bhagvan—who creates, sustains, and ultimately dissolves the universe; who resides within all beings as Paramātmā; who reigns over Prakṛti with Goddess Māyā herself humbly serving at His feet—in what form, and in what way, does such a Bhagvan sleep, setting aside His Māyā?”
पुरुषावयवैर्लोकाः सपालाः पूर्वकल्पिताः ।
लोकैरमुष्यावयवाः सपालैरिति शुश्रुम ॥ ११॥
“O Sri Sutacharya! You mentioned earlier that this entire universe—with all its regions and their divine protectors—has manifested from the various limbs of the Virāṭ Puruṣa, the Cosmic Being.
Later, you also instructed that the same universe—with all its divisions and realms—should be contemplated as the limbs of the Virāṭ Puruṣa in meditation.
These two declarations seem similar, yet they appear to point in different directions—one descriptive, the other contemplative. What is the true import—the quintessence—of these two teachings? Kindly illuminate the subtle meaning for us.”
यावान् कल्पो विकल्पो वा यथा कालोऽनुमीयते ।
भूतभव्यभवच्छब्द आयुर्मानं च यत्सतः ॥ १२॥
कालस्यानुगतिर्या तु लक्ष्यतेऽण्वी बृहत्यपि ।
यावत्यः कर्मगतयो यादृशीर्द्विजसत्तम ॥ १३॥
“O revered Sri Shukacharya! Kindly elaborate upon the cosmic time cycles—specifically, the number and structure of Mahākalpas, and the intermediate Kalpas that exist within each Mahākalpa.
How is time to be measured—in terms of past, present, and future periods? What is the lifespan of various living beings across realms?
Further, please explain both the shorter divisions of time—as experienced in a single day—and the larger spans of time, measured in years, yugas, and kalpas.
And, based on the activities (karma) of living beings, how are the various situations—pleasant, painful, or neutral—determined and distributed? What governs the type and number of experiences one must undergo?
Please illuminate these mysteries, so that we may understand time, action, and destiny in light of divine truth.”
यस्मिन् कर्मसमावायो यथा येनोपगृह्यते ।
गुणानां गुणिनां चैव परिणाममभीप्सताम् ॥ १४॥
“O Sri Shukacharya! It is said that based on the influence of the three guṇas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—living beings are born into various species, such as humans, celestial beings, animals, and others.
Please explain: to attain a particular type of birth or species, what kind of actions (karma) must one perform? How do specific deeds align with the modes of Prakṛti to determine one’s next form? Kindly elaborate so that we may understand how karma shapes destiny through the lens of the guṇas.”
भूपातालककुब्व्योम ग्रहनक्षत्रभूभृताम् ।
सरित्समुद्रद्वीपानां सम्भवश्चैतदोकसाम् ॥१५॥
“O venerable Sri Shukacharya! I humbly seek to understand the structure and creation of this manifest universe as revealed by the seers.
Please explain the origin and formation of Bhūmi—the Earth; the netherworlds (Pātālas); the directions of space; the sky (Ākāśa); the planets, stars, and heavenly realms. How did the mountains, rivers, oceans, and islands come into existence?
Also, kindly describe the varieties of living beings who reside in these places—their nature, duties, and purpose in creation. May your words illuminate the intricate design of this cosmos, as formed by the will of the Supreme Bhagvan.”
प्रमाणमण्डकोशस्य बाह्याभ्यन्तरभेदतः ।
महतां चानुचरितं वर्णाश्रमविनिश्चयः ॥ १६॥
“O revered Sri Shukacharya! Please describe to me the overall magnitude of this vast universe created by the Supreme Bhagvan. What are its inner dimensions and outer boundaries? How is the universe structured from within, and how far does it extend in all directions?
Also, kindly enlighten me on the nature and conduct of great souls (mahātmās)—those who have transcended the three modes of Prakṛti and are absorbed in the Bhagvan. What are their defining characteristics, and how do they carry out their lives in service of Dharma and Bhakti?
Furthermore, please explain the qualities and duties (svadharma) of the four varṇas—Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas, and Śūdras—and how their lives are meant to contribute to social harmony and spiritual elevation. How should individuals engage in society in accordance with their nature, while progressing toward liberation?
Let these truths be revealed, so that we may live with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion in this divine creation.”
युगानि युगमानं च धर्मो यश्च युगे युगे ।
अवतारानुचरितं यदाश्चर्यतमं हरेः ॥ १७॥
“O glorious Sri Shukacharya! Kindly describe the four Yugas—Satya, Tretā, Dvāpara, and Kali—along with their respective durations, the characteristics of each age, and the specific dharma or duties prescribed for beings in each of them.
What distinguishes the Yugas from one another in terms of virtue, spiritual strength, and human behavior? How do the Bhagvan’s teachings and expectations shift with the changing nature of time?
And most importantly, please narrate the various incarnations (avatāras) of the Supreme Bhagvan who descend in these different ages. What are their forms, their divine pastimes (līlās), and their purpose in relation to the dharma of each Yuga?
Through this knowledge, may we gain clarity on the changing flow of cosmic time and the unchanging grace of the Bhagvan, who appears again and again to uplift the worlds.”
नृणां साधारणो धर्मः सविशेषश्च यादृशः ।
श्रेणीनां राजर्षीणां च धर्मः कृच्छ्रेषु जीवताम् ॥१८॥
“O revered Sri Shukacharya! Kindly enlighten me on the general duties (sādhāraṇa dharma) that are to be followed by all human beings, regardless of caste, station, or stage of life. What are those universal principles that sustain righteousness and spiritual progress?
In addition to this, please explain the special duties (viśeṣa dharma) assigned to individuals based on their nature (svabhāva), profession, varna, and āśrama—and how these harmonize with the pursuit of the Supreme Truth.
What are the proper activities and conduct of people engaged in various professions—such as merchants, farmers, artisans, warriors, teachers, and servants? What righteous conduct is expected of Rājarṣis—the saintly kings and rulers entrusted with leadership and justice?
And finally, please guide us on the appropriate dharmic course for those who are struck by distress—whether physical, mental, or spiritual. What should such souls do when overcome by suffering, loss, or helplessness?
May your words illuminate the path of righteous action and offer guidance for every condition of life.”
Thus, with humility and a heart purified by devotion, King Parikshit brings forth a new constellation of profound inquiries—questions that touch the very roots of creation, time, karma, cosmic order, and divine embodiment. His longing is not for intellectual mastery, but for a vision that leads the soul toward liberation. And Sri Shukacharya, ever compassionate, prepares to reveal truths that few mortals ever dare to contemplate: the subtle nature of the Bhagvan’s form, the architecture of the universe, the cycles that govern cosmic time, and the Dharma that sustains beings across Yugas. As this sacred dialogue deepens, the Bhāgavata once again unveils its purpose—to guide the seeker from curiosity to clarity, from clarity to surrender, and from surrender to the eternal refuge at the lotus feet of the Supreme Bhagvan. Let's look forward for these timeless mysteries to unfold.
॥ Hari Om ॥
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