Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 1
Nara-Nārāyaṇa Ṛṣi and the Lord’s Unlimited Incarnations
श्रीराजोवाच यानि यानीह कर्माणि यैर्यै: स्वच्छन्दजन्मभि: । चक्रे करोति कर्ता वा हरिस्तानि ब्रुवन्तु न: ॥ १ ॥
śrī-rājovāca yāni yānīha karmāṇi yair yaiḥ svacchanda-janmabhiḥ cakre karoti kartā vā haris tāni bruvantu naḥ
König Nimi sprach: Die Höchste Persönlichkeit Gottes steigt durch Seine innere Potenz und nach Seinem eigenen Willen in diese Welt herab. Darum berichtet uns bitte von den verschiedenen Līlās, die Herr Hari in der Vergangenheit vollbrachte, jetzt vollbringt und in Zukunft in dieser Welt durch Seine vielfältigen Inkarnationen vollbringen wird.
In this Fourth Chapter the son of Jayantī, Drumila, will address King Nimi. The forty-eighth verse of the Third Chapter stated, mūrtyābhimatayātmanaḥ: “One should worship the particular form of the Lord most attractive to oneself.” Similarly it was stated in the previous chapter, stavaiḥ stutvā named dharim: “One should bow down to Lord Hari after glorifying Him with prayers.” Thus it is assumed that the worshiper has knowledge of the Supreme Lord’s transcendental qualities and pastimes in order to execute the process of worship previously described. King Nimi, therefore, is eagerly inquiring about the various incarnations of the Supreme Lord so that he can ascertain which particular form of the Supreme Lord is most suitable for his personal worship. It is understood that King Nimi is a Vaiṣṇava, or devotee, who is trying to advance in the transcendental loving service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
This verse indicates that Hari’s births are svacchanda—fully voluntary—taken in whatever form He chooses, and His deeds in those incarnations are to be heard and understood.
King Nimi is seeking transcendental knowledge and devotion; he requests the sages to describe Hari’s divine activities across His many chosen appearances, which nourish bhakti and understanding of the Lord’s nature.
Regularly hearing and reflecting on Hari’s avatara-deeds strengthens faith, reduces material anxiety, and directs the mind toward devotion and dharma-centered living.