Shloka 5
Dhruva’s Humiliation, Sunīti’s Counsel, and Nārada’s Bhakti-Yoga Instruction
सङ्ग्रहेण मयाख्यात: प्रतिसर्गस्तवानघ । त्रि: श्रुत्वैतत्पुमान् पुण्यं विधुनोत्यात्मनो मलम् ॥ ५ ॥
saṅgraheṇa mayākhyātaḥ pratisargas tavānagha triḥ śrutvaitat pumān puṇyaṁ vidhunoty ātmano malam
O sinless one, I have briefly described pratisaṛga, the causes of devastation. Whoever hears this account three times gains piety and washes away the sinful taint from the soul.
The creation takes place on the basis of goodness, but devastation takes place because of irreligion. That is the way of material creation and devastation. Here it is stated that the cause of devastation is Adharma, or Irreligion. The descendants of Irreligion and Falsity, born one after another, are Bluffing, Cheating, Greed, Cunning, Anger, Envy, Quarrel, Harsh Speech, Death, Fear, Severe Pain and Hell. All these descendants are described as signs of devastation. If a person is pious and hears about these causes of devastation, he will feel hatred for all these, and that will cause his advancement in a life of piety. Piety refers to the process of cleansing the heart. As recommended by Lord Caitanya, one has to cleanse the dust from the mirror of the mind, and then advancement on the path of liberation begins. Here also the same process is recommended. Malam means “contamination.” We should learn to despise all the causes of devastation, beginning from irreligion and cheating, and then we shall be able to make advancement in a life of piety. The possibility of our attaining Kṛṣṇa consciousness will be easier, and we shall not be subjected to repeated devastation. The present life is repeated birth and death, but if we seek the path of liberation, we may be saved from repeated suffering.
FAQs
This verse states that hearing the sacred narration—here, the account of secondary creation—even three times can cleanse the inner impurity (mala) of the heart.
Śukadeva teaches Parīkṣit the Lord’s governance of creation and dissolution, and emphasizes that hearing these divine topics is inherently purifying for a sincere listener.
Practice regular, repeated hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam (listening/reading), because consistent śravaṇam helps reduce inner negativity and strengthens devotion and clarity.