Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvitiya Skandha, Shloka 13
Parīkṣit’s Comprehensive Inquiries and the Bhāgavata as Śabda-avatāra
कालस्यानुगतिर्या तु लक्ष्यतेऽण्वी बृहत्यपि । यावत्य: कर्मगतयो यादृशीर्द्विजसत्तम ॥ १३ ॥
kālasyānugatir yā tu lakṣyate ’ṇvī bṛhaty api yāvatyaḥ karma-gatayo yādṛśīr dvija-sattama
O best of the brāhmaṇas, please explain the cause by which the course of time—moving along the path of karma—is perceived as sometimes minute and short, and sometimes vast and long; and also explain the beginning of time.
FAQs
This verse explains that time’s movement is experienced in both subtle and vast ways, and that our perception of time is connected to the many courses and transformations produced by karma.
Parīkṣit is hearing about creation and cosmic order; Śukadeva clarifies that time is understood through its effects—especially the shifting trajectories of karmic action and its results.
Seeing time as the force that carries karmic consequences encourages responsible choices, patience with outcomes, and a more spiritual focus beyond temporary changes.