Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 5
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
वक्ता कर्ताविता नान्यो धर्मस्याच्युत ते भुवि । सभायामपि वैरिञ्च्यां यत्र मूर्तिधरा: कला: ॥ ५ ॥ कर्त्रावित्रा प्रवक्त्रा च भवता मधुसूदन । त्यक्ते महीतले देव विनष्टं क: प्रवक्ष्यति ॥ ६ ॥
vaktā kartāvitā nānyo dharmasyācyuta te bhuvi sabhāyām api vairiñcyāṁ yatra mūrti-dharāḥ kalāḥ
Uddhava said: My dear Lord Acyuta, there is no one but You on earth who can speak, establish, and protect the supreme principles of dharma; even in Brahmā’s assembly, where the personified Vedas reside, none is equal to You. Therefore, O Madhusūdana—You who are the creator, protector, and teacher—when You leave this world, who will again proclaim this lost knowledge?
FAQs
This verse declares that Krishna (Acyuta) alone is the true speaker, establisher, and protector of dharma—no one else can independently sustain it.
Uddhava recognizes that even great authorities (like those in Brahmā’s assembly) act through Krishna’s empowerment; therefore the ultimate source of dharma is Krishna Himself.
When moral guidance feels confusing, anchor decisions in devotion and scriptural principles centered on Krishna, seeing Him as the final authority behind genuine dharma.