Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvitiya Skandha, Shloka 11
Parīkṣit’s Comprehensive Inquiries and the Bhāgavata as Śabda-avatāra
पुरुषावयवैर्लोका: सपाला: पूर्वकल्पिता: । लोकैरमुष्यावयवा: सपालैरिति शुश्रुम ॥ ११ ॥
puruṣāvayavair lokāḥ sapālāḥ pūrva-kalpitāḥ lokair amuṣyāvayavāḥ sa-pālair iti śuśruma
O learned brāhmaṇa, it was formerly explained that all the planets of the universe with their respective governors are situated in the different parts of the gigantic body of the virāṭ-puruṣa. I have also heard that the different planetary systems are supposed to be in the gigantic body of the virāṭ-puruṣa. But what is their actual position? Will you please explain that?
FAQs
This verse states that the planetary systems along with their presiding rulers are envisioned as limbs of the Virāṭ-Puruṣa, and that one can also understand His limbs by studying those worlds and their rulers.
In the context of teaching Parīkṣit Mahārāja meditation on the Lord’s universal form, Śukadeva explains a devotional cosmology where creation is seen as integrated within the Lord’s body, helping the mind fix on Him.
It cultivates reverence and responsibility: one learns to see all realms of life as connected to the Divine, reducing exploitation and increasing mindful, devotional living.