Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 28
Raivata and Cākṣuṣa Manvantaras; Brahmā’s Prayers at Śvetadvīpa
Prelude to Samudra-manthana
अजस्य चक्रं त्वजयेर्यमाणं मनोमयं पञ्चदशारमाशु । त्रिनाभि विद्युच्चलमष्टनेमि यदक्षमाहुस्तमृतं प्रपद्ये ॥ २८ ॥
ajasya cakraṁ tv ajayeryamāṇaṁ manomayaṁ pañcadaśāram āśu tri-nābhi vidyuc-calam aṣṭa-nemi yad-akṣam āhus tam ṛtaṁ prapadye
In the cycle of material activities, the material body resembles the wheel of a mental chariot. The ten senses [five for working and five for gathering knowledge] and the five life airs within the body form the fifteen spokes of the chariot’s wheel. The three modes of nature [goodness, passion and ignorance] are its center of activities, and the eight ingredients of nature [earth, water, fire, air, sky, mind, intelligence and false ego] comprise the rim of the wheel. The external, material energy moves this wheel like electrical energy. Thus the wheel revolves very quickly around its hub or central support, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the Supersoul and the ultimate truth. We offer our respectful obeisances unto Him.
The cycle of repeated birth and death is figuratively described herein. As stated in Bhagavad-gītā (7.5) :
FAQs
This verse describes time as a swift, lightning-like wheel that turns all beings, yet it ultimately rests upon and is governed by the Supreme Truth (Vishnu), the imperishable center.
Facing crisis and seeking divine protection, the Devas glorify Vishnu as the ultimate controller of time and the mind, taking refuge in Him as the only stable foundation amid cosmic change.
When life feels driven by anxiety and constant change, this shloka teaches grounding oneself in steady devotion—remembering the Lord as the unchanging center rather than being swept away by mental turbulence.