Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 48
Parīkṣit’s Final Absorption, Takṣaka’s Bite, Janamejaya’s Snake Sacrifice, and the Vedic Sound-Lineage
अस्मिन्नप्यन्तरे ब्रह्मन् भगवान्लोकभावन: । ब्रह्मेशाद्यैर्लोकपालैर्याचितो धर्मगुप्तये ॥ ४८ ॥ पराशरात् सत्यवत्यामंशांशकलया विभु: । अवतीर्णो महाभाग वेदं चक्रे चतुर्विधम् ॥ ४९ ॥
asminn apy antare brahman bhagavān loka-bhāvanaḥ brahmeśādyair loka-pālair yācito dharma-guptaye
O brāhmaṇa, in the present age of Vaivasvata Manu, the leaders of the universe, led by Brahmā and Śiva, requested the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the protector of all the worlds, to save the principles of religion. O most fortunate Śaunaka, the almighty Lord, exhibiting a divine spark of a portion of His plenary portion, then appeared in the womb of Satyavatī as the son of Parāśara. In this form, named Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa, he divided the one Veda into four.
FAQs
This verse states that the Supreme Lord is petitioned by Brahmā, Śiva, and the cosmic guardians to safeguard dharma, indicating that divine intervention occurs for the maintenance of moral and spiritual order.
Because even the highest administrators of the universe rely on the Supreme Lord for ultimate protection of dharma when it is threatened; their request reflects the Lord’s supreme position as the sustainer of all worlds.
Align daily choices with truthfulness, compassion, and duty, and seek divine guidance through prayer and study—understanding that dharma is preserved by conscious commitment, supported by grace.