Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 26
The Lord’s Supervision of Embodiment: Fetal Development, Womb-Suffering, and the Jīva’s Prayer (Garbha-stuti) — and the Trap of Māyā
शायितोऽशुचिपर्यङ्के जन्तु: स्वेदज-दूषिते । नेश: कण्डूयनेऽङ्गानामासनोत्थानचेष्टने ॥ २६ ॥
śāyito ’śuci-paryaṅke jantuḥ svedaja-dūṣite neśaḥ kaṇḍūyane ’ṅgānām āsanotthāna-ceṣṭane
Laid down on a foul bed infested with sweat and germs, the poor child is incapable of scratching his body to get relief from his itching sensation, to say nothing of sitting up, standing or even moving.
It should be noted that the child is born crying and suffering. After birth the same suffering continues, and he cries. Because he is disturbed by the germs in his foul bed, which is contaminated by his urine and stool, the poor child continues to cry. He is unable to take any remedial measure for his relief.
FAQs
This verse describes the jīva lying on an impure bed, covered by sweat-born filth, unable even to scratch an itch or sit up—highlighting extreme helplessness and bodily bondage.
He narrates the jīva’s helplessness to awaken detachment (vairāgya) and seriousness about liberation through devotion, showing how materially conditioned life begins in suffering and dependence.
Remembering the body’s inherent limitations helps reduce pride and attachment, encouraging humility, compassion, and a stronger focus on bhakti practices rather than bodily comfort as life’s goal.