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Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

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Canto 2 · The Cosmic Manifestation · 10 chapters

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How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Chant the verse. Say the Sanskrit slowly and carefully.
  2. 2Read the word meanings. Go through each Sanskrit word and its meaning.
  3. 3Find the meaning yourself. Before the translation, piece the meaning together from the words.
  4. 4Read the translation. Ask: what is the Lord teaching here, and how does it apply to my life?
  5. 5Read the purport slowly. Read it two or three times. Don't rush.
  6. 6Write down what touched you. Note the main points in your own notebook.
Read the full guide: how to hear the Bhāgavatam ›
Canto 2 · Chapter 10: Bhāgavatam Is the Answer to All Questions
2.10.452.10.47

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 2.10.46

Sarga· Creation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 2.10.1inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

अयं तु ब्रह्मण: कल्प: सविकल्प उदाहृत: ।

विधि: साधारणो यत्र सर्गा: प्राकृतवैकृता: ॥ ४६ ॥

ayaṁ tu brahmaṇaḥ kalpaḥ

savikalpa udāhṛtaḥ

vidhiḥ sādhāraṇo yatra

sargāḥ prākṛta-vaikṛtāḥ

Translation

This process of creation and annihilation described in summary herein is the regulative principle during the duration of Brahmā’s one day. It is also the regulative principle in the creation of mahat, in which the material nature is dispersed.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

The Supreme Lord Masters All Creation

  1. 1

    There are three types of creation: mahā-kalpa, vikalpa and kalpa. In mahā-kalpa, the Lord assumes the form of Kāraṇodakaśāyī Viṣṇu with the potencies of material creation.

  2. 2

    The creation of Brahmā and dispersion of material ingredients are called vikalpa. Brahmā’s creation during each day of his life is called kalpa.

  3. 3

    These creations follow regular, systematic cycles, and the Brahmās live only during the breathing period of Mahā-Viṣṇu. All these cycles depend on the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of all creations.

Key points from the purport
  • Therefore each day of Brahmā is called a kalpa, and there are thirty kalpas in terms of Brahmā’s days.
  • The creation during the day of Brahmā is called kalpa, and the creation of Brahmā is called vikalpa.
  • When vikalpas are made possible by the breathing of Mahā-Viṣṇu, this is called a mahā-kalpa.

Śrīla Prabhupāda's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.

Connected verses· 1

The purport of SB 2.10.46 quotesBG 8.17

This is also confirmed in the Bhagavad-gītā (8.17) as follows: In the upper planetary system the duration of one complete day and night is equal to one complete year of this earth.

Each link is a verse the purport itself quotes, or a purport elsewhere that quotes this verse, shown with the purport's own words.

How it feels

Inquiry → Conviction. Divine knowledge resolves fundamental cosmic uncertainty.

Chapters 8–10 of Canto 2: Parīkṣit questions; Brahmā receives revelation. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 10: Bhāgavatam Is the Answer to All Questions

Śukadeva outlines the Bhāgavatam’s subjects and describes creation through the Lord’s universal form.

Back to this verse in chapter 2.10
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. ayamthis process of creation and annihilation
  2. tubut
  3. brahmaṇaḥof Brahmā
  4. kalpaḥhis one day
  5. sa-vikalpaḥalong with the duration of the universes
  6. udāhṛtaḥexemplified
  7. vidhiḥregulative principles
  8. sādhāraṇaḥin summary
3

Key ideas in this verse

The subject this verse serves and the themes it speaks of.

  • Sarga · The creation of the universe

    Where does the universe come from? · Subject 1 of 10

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 2.10

    In this verse: “material”

Chapter themes come from the story phase this chapter belongs to.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

How does knowing that even Brahmā’s lifetime depends on the Lord affect your sense of His greatness?

Practice

Write down the three types of creation and their meanings, then pause to acknowledge the Supreme Lord as their master.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Supreme Lord Masters All CreationThis verse's lesson: one practice and one question for today

Study points are short summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport on Vedabase.

Ask the BhāgavatamHave a question about SB 2.10.46? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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