Shloka 7
नैमित्तिक-प्राकृत-प्रलयवर्णनम्
Periodic and Elemental Dissolution; Reabsorption into Paramātman
एष नैमित्तिको नाम मैत्रेय प्रतिसंचरः निमित्तं तत्र यच् छेते ब्रह्मरूपधरो हरिः
eṣa naimittiko nāma maitreya pratisaṃcaraḥ nimittaṃ tatra yac chete brahmarūpadharo hariḥ
O Maitreya, this is called the naimittika dissolution, the periodic reabsorption of the cosmos; for then Hari, bearing the form of Brahmā, lies in yogic repose, and His withdrawal itself becomes the cause that draws the worlds back into Him.
Sage Parāśara
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: Nature and definition of naimittika (occasional) dissolution and its cause.
Teaching: Cosmological
Quality: authoritative
Creation Stage: Kalpa
Cosmic Hierarchy: Lokas
Concept: Naimittika pralaya occurs when Hari—assuming Brahmā’s role—withdraws into yogic repose, and that withdrawal functions as the instrumental cause of cosmic reabsorption.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: See change and dissolution as orderly and purposeful; practice equanimity by aligning one’s life with cyclical time rather than clinging to impermanent forms.
Vishishtadvaita: The same Vishnu operates through cosmic offices (Brahmā-form) while remaining the inner ruler of all lokas, affirming unity with functional plurality.
Vishnu Form: Hari
Bhakti Type: Shanta
Antaryamin: Yes
Jagat Karana: Yes
FAQs
It explains the periodic, time-bound dissolution in which the manifested worlds are withdrawn, showing that cosmic order operates in cycles under the sovereignty of Hari.
He states that dissolution occurs when Hari (even while bearing Brahmā’s form) enters repose; that divine withdrawal functions as the nimitta— the operative cause—for reabsorption.
Vishnu (Hari) is presented as the Supreme Reality who can assume cosmic roles (like Brahmā) yet remains the ultimate source into whom the universe returns during pralaya.