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

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Canto 3 · The Status Quo · 33 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 3 · Chapter 11: Calculation of Time, from the Atom
3.11.213.11.23

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.11.22

Sthāna· The universe in order
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.11.18inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

त्रिलोक्या युगसाहस्रं बहिराब्रह्मणो दिनम् ।

तावत्येव निशा तात यन्निमीलति विश्वसृक् ॥ २२ ॥

tri-lokyā yuga-sāhasraṁ

bahir ābrahmaṇo dinam

tāvaty eva niśā tāta

yan nimīlati viśva-sṛk

Translation

Outside of the three planetary systems [Svarga, Martya and Pātāla], the four yugas multiplied by one thousand comprise one day on the planet of Brahmā. A similar period comprises a night of Brahmā, in which the creator of the universe goes to sleep.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Brahmā Receives the Lord’s Guidance

  1. 1

    One thousand sets of the four yugas comprise one day of Brahmā. His night lasts for an equal period.

  2. 2

    When Brahmā sleeps at night, the three planetary systems below Brahmaloka are submerged in the water of devastation.

  3. 3

    While sleeping, Brahmā dreams about Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu. He receives the Lord’s instructions for restoring the devastated area of space.

Key points from the purport
  • When Brahmā goes to sleep in his nighttime, the three planetary systems below Brahmaloka are all submerged in the water of devastation.
  • In his sleeping condition, Brahmā dreams about the Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu and takes instruction from the Lord for the rehabilitation of the devastated area of space.

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

How it feels

Mystery → Cosmic wonder. The origin of the world is revealed through inquiry and divine grace.

Chapters 5–12 of Canto 3: Creation and Brahmā's bewilderment. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 11: Calculation of Time, from the Atom

Maitreya describes time from atomic measurements to Brahmā’s lifespan, along with cycles of creation and devastation.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.11
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. tri-lokyāḥof the three worlds
  2. yugathe four yugas
  3. sāhasramone thousand
  4. bahiḥoutside of
  5. ābrahmaṇaḥup to Brahmaloka
  6. dinamis a day
  7. tāvatīa similar (period)
  8. evacertainly
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Sthāna · Planetary systems

    How is the universe arranged, and what is our right place in it? · Subject 3 of 10

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does Brahmā’s receiving instruction reveal about his dependence on the Lord?

Practice

Pause today to remember that even Brahmā receives guidance from the Lord.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayBrahmā Receives the Lord’s GuidanceThis 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.

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