Shloka 50
Sṛṣṭi-krama, Pratibimba-Upādhi, and Viṣṇu as Primary Brahman
with Pralaya and Nāma-Stuti
शेषस्त्विन्द्रो रुद्र एते त्रयश्च समा ह्येते ज्ञानबलादिकेष्वपि तथापि तेषां कालतो न्यूनतास्ति कालोपि तेषां द्विव्येसहस्रवर्षम्
śeṣastvindro rudra ete trayaśca samā hyete jñānabalādikeṣvapi tathāpi teṣāṃ kālato nyūnatāsti kālopi teṣāṃ dvivyesahasravarṣam
Śeṣa, Indra et Rudra : ces trois-là sont vraiment comparables, même quant à la connaissance, la force et autres qualités. Pourtant, il existe entre eux une différence de durée de vie ; leur temps imparti est dit être de deux mille années divines.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda)
Concept: Great cosmic beings may be comparable in powers, yet kāla differentiates their lifespan; time governs embodied existence.
Vedantic Theme: Kāla as an upādhi/conditioning factor within saṃsāra; relative greatness does not negate temporality.
Application: Cultivate humility: power and knowledge do not exempt one from time; prioritize liberation-oriented practice over status.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana cosmology sections enumerating deva-lifespans and measures of divine years (conceptual cluster)
FAQs
It states they are comparable in qualities like knowledge and strength, but their lifespans are not identical—time creates a measurable difference.
It emphasizes that even exalted beings are bounded by Kala, and that cosmic rank can include distinctions based on allotted lifespan.
Reflect on impermanence: even the greatest are time-bound, so one should prioritize dharma, self-discipline, and spiritual practice over pride in power or status.