Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 67
Sāṅkhya: Categories of the Absolute Truth and the Unfolding of Creation
Tattva-vicāra
विष्णुर्गत्यैव चरणौ नोदतिष्ठत्तदा विराट् । नाडीर्नद्यो लोहितेन नोदतिष्ठत्तदा विराट् ॥ ६७ ॥
viṣṇur gatyaiva caraṇau nodatiṣṭhat tadā virāṭ nāḍīr nadyo lohitena nodatiṣṭhat tadā virāṭ
Lord Viṣṇu entered His feet with the faculty of locomotion, but the virāṭ-puruṣa refused to stand up even then. The rivers entered His blood vessels with the blood and the power of circulation, but still the Cosmic Being could not be made to stir.
FAQs
This verse states that the Virāṭ (universal form) becomes functional only when Viṣṇu enters as the empowering principle—here specifically as movement (activating the feet) and as circulation (blood flowing through veins and rivers).
Kapila teaches Devahūti that matter alone cannot act; the Lord’s presence empowers each system of the cosmos. The feet symbolize locomotion and the blood/veins symbolize circulation—both require divine activation.
Recognize that ability and vitality are ultimately gifts; cultivate humility and devotion by seeing one’s movement, strength, and life-breath as supported by the Supreme, and use them in dharmic service.