Shloka 14

The Universal Form (Virāṭ-Puruṣa): The Lord’s Entry into the Elements, the Devas, and the Origin of Varṇāśrama

Devanagari script

निर्भिन्ने अश्विनौ नासे विष्णोराविशतां पदम् । घ्राणेनांशेन गन्धस्य प्रतिपत्तिर्यतो भवेत् ॥ १४ ॥

Transliteration

nirbhinne aśvinau nāse viṣṇor āviśatāṁ padam ghrāṇenāṁśena gandhasya pratipattir yato bhavet

Translation

When the Lord’s two nostrils manifested separately, the twin Aśvinī-kumāras entered them in their proper places; and by that portion of the power of smell, living beings perceive the aromas of all things.

Synonyms

निर्भिन्नेwhen (the two) were split open

अश्विनौthe two Aśvins

नासेin the two nostrils

विष्णोःof Viṣṇu

आविशताम्(they two) entered

पदम्place/seat

घ्राणेनby the nose (sense of smell)

अंशेनby a portion

गन्धस्यof smell/odor

प्रतिपत्तिःperception/attainment

यतःwhereby/from which

भवेत्would be/arises

Characters & Entities

Viṣṇu

Aśvinī-kumāras (the Aśvins)

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the origin of the sense of smell?

This verse explains that when the nostrils manifested, the Aśvinī-kumāras entered them along with the Lord’s potency, and thus the ability to perceive fragrance through smell arose.

Why are the Aśvinī-kumāras mentioned in relation to the nose in Canto 3?

In the Bhagavatam’s description of universal creation, specific demigods preside over bodily functions and senses; here the Aśvins are connected with the nostrils and the functioning of smell.

Practical application of this teaching about senses in modern life?

It encourages seeing the senses as sacred instruments under divine order—use them with restraint and devotion (e.g., avoiding harmful indulgence and engaging the senses in God-centered living).