Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.26.38
Mukti· LiberationFaithful Hearing Awakens Devotion
“In the beginning [the second and third cantos of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam] I have already described how one can progress on the path of liberation. In the Purāṇas the vast universal existence, which is like an egg divided into fourteen parts, is described. This vast form is considered the external body of the Lord, created by His energy and qualities. It is generally called the virāṭ-rūpa. If one reads the description of this external form of the Lord with great faith, or if one hears about it or explains it to others to propagate bhāgavata-dharma, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness, his faith and devotion in spiritual consciousness, Kṛṣṇa consciousness, will gradually increase. Although developing this consciousness is very difficult, by this process one can purify himself and gradually come to an awareness of the Supreme Absolute Truth.”
What the purport teaches
- The universe, described as an egg divided into fourteen parts, is considered the Lord’s external body. This form, created by His energy and qualities, is called the virāṭ-rūpa.
- Reading, hearing or explaining this description with faith gradually increases devotion and Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Through this process, one becomes purified and approaches awareness of the Supreme Absolute Truth.
- Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is published to awaken people to their original consciousness. Hearing about the Lord’s universal form helps one leave material conditional life and progress toward going back home, back to Godhead.
Try this today
Read this verse’s description of the virāṭ-rūpa aloud once, with careful attention.
Ask yourself
How can I make my reading a faithful opportunity to hear about the Lord?
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.