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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
3.11.223.11.24

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.11.23

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty
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

निशावसान आरब्धो लोककल्पोऽनुवर्तते ।

यावद्दिनं भगवतो मनून् भुञ्जंश्चतुर्दश ॥ २३ ॥

niśāvasāna ārabdho

loka-kalpo ’nuvartate

yāvad dinaṁ bhagavato

manūn bhuñjaṁś catur-daśa

Translation

After the end of Brahmā’s night, the creation of the three worlds begins again in the daytime of Brahmā, and they continue to exist through the life durations of fourteen consecutive Manus, or fathers of mankind.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Creation Returns After Brahmā’s Night

  1. 1

    When Brahmā’s night ends, creation of the three worlds begins again.

  2. 2

    The three worlds continue through the lifetimes of fourteen consecutive Manus, the fathers of mankind, during Brahmā’s day.

  3. 3

    At the end of each Manu’s life, shorter dissolutions also occur.

Key points from the purport
  • At the end of the life of each Manu there are shorter dissolutions also.

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
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. niśānight
  2. avasānetermination
  3. ārabdhaḥbeginning from
  4. loka-kalpaḥfurther creation of the three worlds
  5. anuvartatefollows
  6. yāvatuntil
  7. dinamthe daytime
  8. bhagavataḥof the lord (Brahmā)
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Manvantara · The change of Manus

    What gives human life its right direction? · Subject 6 of 10

  • Vātsalya · Parental affection

    Affection and protective concern for the Lord as a child. · Theme in SB 3.11

    In this verse: “fathers”

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

How does this repeated creation and dissolution affect my view of lasting stability?

Practice

Write a short sequence: Brahmā’s night ends, creation begins, and fourteen Manus follow in succession.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayCreation Returns After Brahmā’s NightThis 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 3.11.23? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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