Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 21.58
Each Universe Has Its Own Governors
“Actually it is very difficult to ascertain the number of universes. Every universe has its separate Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva, who are known as permanent governors. Therefore there is also no counting them.
What the purport teaches
- The number of universes is very difficult to ascertain. Each universe has its own Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva, so they also cannot be counted.
- Brahmā and Śiva are called cira-loka-pāla, permanent governors, because they govern from creation’s beginning to its end. The same living entities may not hold these positions in the next creation.
- Loka-pāla means “predominating deities.” The eight predominating deities of the prominent heavenly planets are Indra, Agni, Yama, Varuṇa, Nirṛti, Vāyu, Kuvera and Śiva.
Try this today
Write one sentence explaining why Brahmā and Śiva are called permanent governors.
Ask yourself
How does the meaning of “permanent governors” clarify what lasts from the beginning to the end of a creation?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.