Shloka 11
The Universal Form (Virāṭ-Puruṣa): The Lord’s Entry into the Elements, the Devas, and the Origin of Varṇāśrama
अथ तस्याभितप्तस्य कतिधायतनानि ह । निरभिद्यन्त देवानां तानि मे गदत: शृणु ॥ ११ ॥
atha tasyābhitaptasya katidhāyatanāni ha nirabhidyanta devānāṁ tāni me gadataḥ śṛṇu
Maitreya said: Now hear from me how, after the vast universal form was manifested, the Supreme Lord differentiated Himself into the many forms and abodes of the presiding demigods.
The demigods are separated parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord, as are all other living entities. The only difference between the demigods and the ordinary living entities is that when the living entities are rich in pious acts of devotional service to the Lord, and when their desire to lord it over material energy has vanished, they are promoted to the posts of demigods, who are entrusted by the Lord with executing the management of the universal affairs.
FAQs
This verse states that as the universal form was heated, the various dwelling-places (āyatanas) of the devas manifested in diverse ways.
He is transitioning into a structured description of how the divine abodes and cosmic arrangements appear during creation, inviting Parīkṣit Mahārāja to listen attentively.
It cultivates humility and devotion by reminding us that even celestial positions are products of the Lord’s cosmic arrangement, encouraging focus on bhakti rather than status.