Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 1
Brahmā’s Day, the Four Pralayas, and the Supreme Shelter Beyond Cause–Effect
श्रीशुक उवाच कालस्ते परमाण्वादिर्द्विपरार्धावधिर्नृप । कथितो युगमानं च शृणु कल्पलयावपि ॥ १ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca kālas te paramāṇv-ādir dvi-parārdhāvadhir nṛpa kathito yuga-mānaṁ ca śṛṇu kalpa-layāv api
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: My dear King, I have already described to you the measurements of time, beginning from the smallest fraction measured by the movement of a single atom up to the total life span of Lord Brahmā. I have also discussed the measurement of the different millennia of universal history. Now hear about the time of Brahmā’s day and the process of annihilation.
FAQs
This verse states that Śukadeva explains time from the tiniest unit (paramāṇu) up to immense spans (two parārdhas), and then proceeds to describe kalpa (creation cycles) and pralaya (dissolutions).
In Canto 12, Śukadeva systematically teaches Parīkṣit Vedic cosmology—time, yugas, and then the larger cycles of creation and dissolution—so the king can understand the world’s impermanence and fix his mind on the eternal Lord.
Reflecting on vast cosmic time and dissolution helps reduce anxiety and attachment, encouraging steady devotion (bhakti) and prioritizing spiritual practice over temporary achievements.