1 · Learn4 of 6 · 5 min

Study a Verse

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

Or browse by canto and chapter
Canto

Canto 3 · The Status Quo · 33 chapters

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233

Choose a chapter to see all its verses.

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
3.11.263.11.28

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.11.27

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

मन्वन्तरेषु भगवान् बिभ्रत्सत्त्वं स्वमूर्तिभि: ।

मन्वादिभिरिदं विश्वमवत्युदितपौरुष: ॥ २७ ॥

manvantareṣu bhagavān

bibhrat sattvaṁ sva-mūrtibhiḥ

manv-ādibhir idaṁ viśvam

avaty udita-pauruṣaḥ

Translation

In each and every change of Manu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead appears by manifesting His internal potency in different incarnations, as Manu and others. Thus He maintains the universe by discovered power.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

The Supreme Lord Maintains the Universe

  1. 1

    At every change of Manu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead appears.

  2. 2

    He manifests His internal potency through different incarnations, as Manu and others.

  3. 3

    Through these manifestations of His power, He maintains the universe.

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. manu-antareṣuin each change of Manu
  2. bhagavānthe Personality of Godhead
  3. bibhratmanifesting
  4. sattvamHis internal potency
  5. sva-mūrtibhiḥby His different incarnations
  6. manu-ādibhiḥas Manus
  7. idamthis
  8. viśvamthe universe
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

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

How does seeing the Lord as the universe’s maintainer deepen my appreciation of Him?

Practice

Take a quiet moment today to remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the maintainer of the universe.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Supreme Lord Maintains the UniverseThis 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 3.11.27? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 5 of 11 · 2 minAsk the BhāgavatamBring your own question. Get an answer drawn only from the Bhāgavatam's translations, with every verse shown.Back · LearnCantos & stories