Shloka 6
Raivata and Cākṣuṣa Manvantaras; Brahmā’s Prayers at Śvetadvīpa
Prelude to Samudra-manthana
तस्यानुभाव: कथितो गुणाश्च परमोदया: । भौमान्रेणून्स विममे यो विष्णोर्वर्णयेद् गुणान् ॥ ६ ॥
tasyānubhāvaḥ kathito guṇāś ca paramodayāḥ bhaumān reṇūn sa vimame yo viṣṇor varṇayed guṇān
Though the Lord’s mighty deeds and supremely gracious, transcendental qualities are spoken of in wondrous ways, we sometimes cannot fully grasp them; yet for Lord Viṣṇu everything is possible. Only one who could count the atoms of the universe could count the Lord’s qualities—but no one can do either.
The Lord’s glorious activities referred to in this connection took place after His personal bodyguards Jaya and Vijaya became Daityas, having been cursed by the great sages Sanaka, Sanātana, Sanat-kumāra and Sanandana. Jaya, as Hiraṇyākṣa, had to fight with Varāhadeva, and that same Varāhadeva is mentioned in regard to the Raivata millennium. The fighting, however, took place during the reign of the first Manu, Svāyambhuva. Therefore according to some authorities there are two Varāhas. According to others, however, Varāha appeared during the regime of Svāyambhuva Manu and stayed in the water until that of Raivata Manu. Some may doubt that this could be possible, but the answer is that everything is possible. If one could count the atoms within the universe, one could count the qualities of Lord Viṣṇu. But the atoms of the universe are impossible for anyone to count, and similarly no one can count the transcendental qualities of the Lord.
FAQs
This verse says Viṣṇu’s qualities are so limitless that attempting to fully describe them is like trying to measure every particle of dust on the earth—practically impossible.
To emphasize the Lord’s ananta-guṇa (infinite attributes): even exalted speakers can glorify Him, but no one can exhaustively catalogue His greatness.
Approach spiritual study with humility—keep hearing, chanting, and remembering Viṣṇu’s names and qualities without expecting to ‘finish’ knowing Him, since His greatness is inexhaustible.