Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 14
The Universal Form (Virāṭ-Puruṣa): The Lord’s Entry into the Elements, the Devas, and the Origin of Varṇāśrama
निर्भिन्ने अश्विनौ नासे विष्णोराविशतां पदम् । घ्राणेनांशेन गन्धस्य प्रतिपत्तिर्यतो भवेत् ॥ १४ ॥
nirbhinne aśvinau nāse viṣṇor āviśatāṁ padam ghrāṇenāṁśena gandhasya pratipattir yato bhavet
Als sich die beiden Nasenlöcher des Herrn gesondert manifestierten, traten die beiden Aśvinī-kumāras an ihre rechten Plätze ein; und durch den Anteil des Geruchssinns nehmen die Lebewesen alle Düfte wahr.
FAQs
This verse explains that when the nostrils manifested, the Aśvinī-kumāras entered them along with the Lord’s potency, and thus the ability to perceive fragrance through smell arose.
In the Bhagavatam’s description of universal creation, specific demigods preside over bodily functions and senses; here the Aśvins are connected with the nostrils and the functioning of smell.
It encourages seeing the senses as sacred instruments under divine order—use them with restraint and devotion (e.g., avoiding harmful indulgence and engaging the senses in God-centered living).