Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.5.40-41
Sthāna· The universe in orderDevotional Service Opens the Eternal Kingdom
“My dear son Nārada, know from me that there are seven lower planetary systems out of the total fourteen. The first planetary system, known as Atala, is situated on the waist; the second, Vitala, is situated on the thighs; the third, Sutala, on the knees; the fourth, Talātala, on the shanks; the fifth, Mahātala, on the ankles; the sixth, Rasātala, on the upper portion of the feet; and the seventh, Pātāla, on the soles of the feet. Thus the virāṭ form of the Lord is full of all planetary systems.”
What the purport teaches
- The universe contains seven upper and seven lower planetary systems, all included in the Lord’s virāṭ form. Innumerable material universes occupy only an insignificant portion of the spiritual sky.
- Even on Satyaloka, the highest material planet, living beings remain subject to birth, death, old age and disease. Complete freedom from these sufferings is found in the eternal kingdom of God.
- The Supreme Lord kindly invites living beings to return home, back to Godhead. Entry into His kingdom requires becoming His devotee and developing a spiritual attitude of service.
Try this today
Set aside one minute today to ask the Lord for a sincere desire to serve Him.
Ask yourself
How can you give more attention to serving the Lord rather than merely improving your material situation?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.