Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 20
Brahmā’s Day, the Four Pralayas, and the Supreme Shelter Beyond Cause–Effect
न यत्र वाचो न मनो न सत्त्वं तमो रजो वा महदादयोऽमी । न प्राणबुद्धीन्द्रियदेवता वा न सन्निवेश: खलु लोककल्प: ॥ २० ॥ न स्वप्नजाग्रन्न च तत् सुषुप्तं न खं जलं भूरनिलोऽग्निरर्क: । संसुप्तवच्छून्यवदप्रतर्क्यं तन्मूलभूतं पदमामनन्ति ॥ २१ ॥
na yatra vāco na mano na sattvaṁ tamo rajo vā mahad-ādayo ’mī na prāṇa-buddhīndriya-devatā vā na sanniveśaḥ khalu loka-kalpaḥ
In the unmanifest stage of material nature, called pradhāna, there is no expression of words, no mind and no manifestation of the subtle elements beginning from the mahat, nor are there the modes of goodness, passion and ignorance. There is no life air or intelligence, nor any senses or demigods. There is no definite arrangement of planetary systems, nor are there present the different stages of consciousness — sleep, wakefulness and deep sleep. There is no ether, water, earth, air, fire or sun. The situation is just like that of complete sleep, or of voidness. Indeed, it is indescribable. Authorities in spiritual science explain, however, that since pradhāna is the original substance, it is the actual basis of material creation.
FAQs
This verse states that the Supreme reality is beyond sattva, rajas, and tamas, and even beyond the subtle and gross categories of material creation—mind, speech, senses, and cosmic elements.
To show Parīkṣit Mahārāja that the ultimate goal is transcendental—distinct from the temporary cosmic manifestation—and thus worthy of exclusive remembrance and devotion at life’s end.
It encourages detachment from purely material identities and anxieties, and motivates steady sādhana—hearing, chanting, and remembering the Lord—aimed at the transcendental goal beyond the mind’s fluctuations.