Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 1
Brahmā’s Day, the Four Pralayas, and the Supreme Shelter Beyond Cause–Effect
श्रीशुक उवाच कालस्ते परमाण्वादिर्द्विपरार्धावधिर्नृप । कथितो युगमानं च शृणु कल्पलयावपि ॥ १ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca kālas te paramāṇv-ādir dvi-parārdhāvadhir nṛpa kathito yuga-mānaṁ ca śṛṇu kalpa-layāv api
Śukadeva dit : Ô roi, je t’ai déjà décrit les mesures du temps, depuis la plus infime fraction —mesurée par le mouvement d’un seul atome— jusqu’à la durée totale de la vie de Brahmā (dviparārdha). J’ai aussi exposé la mesure des âges. Écoute maintenant la durée d’un jour de Brahmā (kalpa) et le processus de la dissolution (pralaya).
FAQs
This verse states that Śukadeva explains time from the tiniest unit (paramāṇu) up to immense spans (two parārdhas), and then proceeds to describe kalpa (creation cycles) and pralaya (dissolutions).
In Canto 12, Śukadeva systematically teaches Parīkṣit Vedic cosmology—time, yugas, and then the larger cycles of creation and dissolution—so the king can understand the world’s impermanence and fix his mind on the eternal Lord.
Reflecting on vast cosmic time and dissolution helps reduce anxiety and attachment, encouraging steady devotion (bhakti) and prioritizing spiritual practice over temporary achievements.