Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 41
Prāyaścitta, the ‘Elephant Bath’ Problem, and the Opening of Ajāmila-Upākhyāna
येन स्वधाम्न्यमी भावा रज:सत्त्वतमोमया: । गुणनामक्रियारूपैर्विभाव्यन्ते यथातथम् ॥ ४१ ॥
yena sva-dhāmny amī bhāvā rajaḥ-sattva-tamomayāḥ guṇa-nāma-kriyā-rūpair vibhāvyante yathā-tatham
The supreme cause of all causes, Nārāyaṇa, is situated in His own abode in the spiritual world, but nevertheless He controls the entire cosmic manifestation according to the three modes of material nature — sattva-guṇa, rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa. In this way all living entities are awarded different qualities, different names [such as brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya and vaiśya], different duties according to the varṇāśrama institution, and different forms. Thus Nārāyaṇa is the cause of the entire cosmic manifestation.
The Vedas inform us:
FAQs
This verse explains that the modes and their effects are manifested under the Lord’s own potency, appearing as qualities, names, activities, and forms in appropriate proportion.
He establishes the theological basis that material identity and behavior arise from the guṇas under divine control, preparing the listener to understand bondage, sin, and liberation in Ajāmila’s case.
It helps one see how habits and identity are shaped by the modes, encouraging conscious choices (sattva and bhakti) rather than being carried by passion and ignorance.