Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 31
Kriyā-yoga, the Virāṭ-Puruṣa Mapping, and the Sun-God’s Monthly Expansions
कालो देश: क्रिया कर्ता करणं कार्यमागम: । द्रव्यं फलमिति ब्रह्मन् नवधोक्तोऽजया हरि: ॥ ३१ ॥
kālo deśaḥ kriyā kartā karaṇaṁ kāryam āgamaḥ dravyaṁ phalam iti brahman navadhokto ’jayā hariḥ
Being the source of the material energy, the Personality of Godhead Lord Hari in His expansion as the sun-god is described in nine aspects, O Śaunaka: the time, the place, the endeavor, the performer, the instrument, the specific ritual, the scripture, the paraphernalia of worship and the result to be achieved.
FAQs
This verse states that Hari, along with His māyā, is explained through nine categories—time, place, action, agent, instruments, the task, scripture, substance, and result—showing how all experience and karma operate under His supremacy.
In the chapter summarizing the Bhagavatam’s essential teachings, Suta answers the sages’ inquiries by presenting a structured overview of how the Lord is understood in relation to the world and action—linking metaphysics (Hari and māyā) with practical life (karma and its fruits).
See your actions through these nine factors—especially time, means, and results—and cultivate humility: do your duty responsibly, rely on śāstra-guided choices, and offer the fruit to Hari rather than becoming attached to outcomes.