Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 21
Śālva Attacks Dvārakā; Pradyumna Leads the Defense
Saubha-vimāna and Māyā-yuddha
बहुरूपैकरूपं तद् दृश्यते न च दृश्यते । मायामयं मयकृतं दुर्विभाव्यं परैरभूत् ॥ २१ ॥
bahu-rūpaika-rūpaṁ tad dṛśyate na ca dṛśyate māyā-mayaṁ maya-kṛtaṁ durvibhāvyaṁ parair abhūt
At one moment the magic airship built by Maya Dānava appeared in many identical forms, and the next moment it was again only one. Sometimes it was visible, and sometimes not. Thus Śālva’s opponents could never be sure where it was.
FAQs
This verse states that what Kṛṣṇa creates through His māyā can appear in contradictory ways—many yet one, seen yet not seen—and remains beyond ordinary comprehension.
Because the Lord’s māyā is His own potency; those who rely only on material logic or limited perception cannot fully grasp a manifestation produced by the Supreme.
It encourages humility: not everything is fully knowable by limited senses, so one should seek clarity through devotion, scripture, and steady spiritual practice rather than pride in mere argument.