Shloka 21
Viṣṇu-sahasranāma—Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Recitation (विष्णोर्नामसहस्रम्)
फलमस्य पृथक््त्वेन श्रोतुमर्हन्ति सत्तमा: । प्रलयं सर्वभूतैस्तु गन्तव्यं कालपर्ययात्
phalam asya pṛthaktvena śrotum arhanti sattamāḥ | pralayaṃ sarvabhūtais tu gantavyaṃ kāla-paryayāt ||
O best of the virtuous, you are fit to hear the distinct result of this. Yet, by the turning of Time, all beings must inevitably go to dissolution (pralaya).
यम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Yama emphasizes two linked truths: actions have specific, distinguishable results (phala), yet all embodied existence is ultimately subject to the overarching law of Time, culminating in dissolution (pralaya). Ethical effort matters, but it unfolds within the inevitability of impermanence.
Yama addresses virtuous listeners, indicating he will explain the particular consequences of the matter being discussed. He then frames that discussion within a larger cosmic perspective: regardless of individual outcomes, all beings are carried toward dissolution by the cyclical turning of Time.