Shloka 16
Kāla-vibhāga: The Divisions of Time from Atom to Brahmā, and the Lord Beyond Time
विदुर उवाच पितृदेवमनुष्याणामायु: परमिदं स्मृतम् । परेषां गतिमाचक्ष्व ये स्यु:कल्पाद् बहिर्विद: ॥ १६ ॥
vidura uvāca pitṛ-deva-manuṣyāṇām āyuḥ param idaṁ smṛtam pareṣāṁ gatim ācakṣva ye syuḥ kalpād bahir vidaḥ
বিদুর বললেন: পিতৃলোক, দেবলোক এবং মানুষের আয়ুষ্কাল—এ পরমভাবে আমি বুঝেছি। এখন অনুগ্রহ করে সেই মহাবিদ্বান জীবদের আয়ু বলুন, যারা কল্পের সীমার বাইরে।
The partial dissolution of the universe that takes place at the end of Brahmā’s day does not affect all the planetary systems. The planets of highly learned living entities like the sages Sanaka and Bhṛgu are not affected by the dissolutions of the millenniums. All the planets are of different types, and each is controlled by a different kāla-cakra, or schedule of eternal time. The time of the earth planet is not applicable to other, more elevated planets. Therefore, Vidura herein inquires about the duration of life on other planets.
FAQs
This verse summarizes that the previously described time-measures are regarded as the definitive lifespans for Pitṛs, demigods, and human beings within the cosmic framework being explained in Canto 3, Chapter 11.
After hearing the standard cosmic time calculations, Vidura asks for clarification about other classes of beings whose movement or condition is not covered by the usual kalpa-based reckoning—seeking a fuller understanding of creation’s hierarchy and time.
It encourages humility: even vast lifespans and cosmic time are limited and categorized, so one should focus on the timeless goal—spiritual realization and devotion—rather than temporary measures of status or longevity.