Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 32
Transmission of Bhāgavata Wisdom and Brahmā’s Vision of the Supreme Lord on Ananta
तर्ह्येव तन्नाभिसर:सरोज- मात्मामम्भ: श्वसनं वियच्च । ददर्श देवो जगतो विधाता नात: परं लोकविसर्गदृष्टि: ॥ ३२ ॥
tarhy eva tan-nābhi-saraḥ-sarojam ātmānam ambhaḥ śvasanaṁ viyac ca dadarśa devo jagato vidhātā nātaḥ paraṁ loka-visarga-dṛṣṭiḥ
At that very moment, Brahmā, the architect of the universe, having seen the Lord, simultaneously cast his glance upon creation. He beheld the lake in Viṣṇu’s navel and the lotus, as well as the waters of devastation, the drying wind, and the sky; all became visible to him, and his vision of creation went no further.
FAQs
This verse says Brahmā initially perceives only the navel-lotus of the Lord, himself, the cosmic waters, the vital air, and the sky—nothing beyond that for initiating world-creation.
It marks Brahmā’s origin and indicates that creation proceeds from the Supreme Lord; Brahmā’s creative work is secondary, dependent on Viṣṇu.
It encourages humility: even the cosmic creator begins with limited vision and dependence on the Divine, reminding us to seek guidance beyond our immediate perceptions.