Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 3
Nārāyaṇa’s Impartiality, Absorption in Kṛṣṇa, and the Jaya–Vijaya Descent
Prelude to Prahlāda’s History
इति न: सुमहाभाग नारायणगुणान् प्रति । संशय: सुमहाञ्जातस्तद्भवांश्छेत्तुमर्हति ॥ ३ ॥
iti naḥ sumahā-bhāga nārāyaṇa-guṇān prati saṁśayaḥ sumahāñ jātas tad bhavāṁś chettum arhati
O greatly fortunate and learned brāhmaṇa, a grave doubt has arisen in us concerning the qualities of Nārāyaṇa—whether He is partial or impartial. Kindly cut through my doubt with decisive evidence, and show that Nārāyaṇa is ever neutral and equal toward all.
Since Lord Nārāyaṇa is absolute, His transcendental qualities are described as one. Thus His punishments and His offerings of favor are both of the same value. Essentially, His inimical actions are not displays of enmity toward His so-called enemies, but in the material field one thinks that Kṛṣṇa is favorable to devotees and unfavorable to nondevotees. When Kṛṣṇa finally instructs in Bhagavad-gītā, sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja, this is meant not only for Arjuna but for every living entity within this universe.
FAQs
This verse shows that sincere doubt about the Lord’s qualities is resolved by approaching a qualified spiritual authority—here, Parīkṣit requests Śukadeva to dispel the confusion.
In Canto 7, Chapter 1, Parīkṣit seeks clarity about the Lord’s nature and qualities, so he respectfully asks Śukadeva—recognized as most capable—to remove the doubt.
When spiritual questions arise, one should humbly ask a trustworthy teacher and study sacred texts systematically, rather than relying on speculation.