Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 46
Parīkṣit’s Final Absorption, Takṣaka’s Bite, Janamejaya’s Snake Sacrifice, and the Vedic Sound-Lineage
ते परम्परया प्राप्तास्तत्तच्छिष्यैर्धृतव्रतै: । चतुर्युगेष्वथ व्यस्ता द्वापरादौ महर्षिभि: ॥ ४६ ॥
te paramparayā prāptās tat-tac-chiṣyair dhṛta-vrataiḥ catur-yugeṣv atha vyastā dvāparādau maharṣibhiḥ
In this way, throughout the cycles of four ages, generation after generation of disciples — all firmly fixed in their spiritual vows — have received these Vedas by disciplic succession. At the end of each Dvāpara-yuga the Vedas are edited into separate divisions by eminent sages.
FAQs
This verse states that sacred teachings are received through disciplic succession and safeguarded by steadfast disciples, ensuring the purity and continuity of Vedic wisdom.
The verse explains that in each four-yuga cycle, great sages systematically arrange and divide the teachings at Dvāpara’s onset—traditionally to make the vast Vedic knowledge accessible and workable for people as capacities change with time.
Seek learning from an authentic lineage, study consistently under guidance, and preserve teachings through disciplined practice—so understanding remains faithful rather than altered by speculation.