Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvitiya Skandha, Shloka 11
Parīkṣit’s Comprehensive Inquiries and the Bhāgavata as Śabda-avatāra
पुरुषावयवैर्लोका: सपाला: पूर्वकल्पिता: । लोकैरमुष्यावयवा: सपालैरिति शुश्रुम ॥ ११ ॥
puruṣāvayavair lokāḥ sapālāḥ pūrva-kalpitāḥ lokair amuṣyāvayavāḥ sa-pālair iti śuśruma
हे विद्वन् ब्राह्मण! पहले बताया गया कि समस्त लोक अपने-अपने पालकों सहित विराट्-पुरुष के विशाल देह के विभिन्न अंगों में स्थित हैं। मैंने यह भी सुना है कि लोक-समूह उसी देह में माने जाते हैं; पर उनकी वास्तविक स्थिति क्या है? कृपा करके समझाइए।
FAQs
This verse states that the planetary systems along with their presiding rulers are envisioned as limbs of the Virāṭ-Puruṣa, and that one can also understand His limbs by studying those worlds and their rulers.
In the context of teaching Parīkṣit Mahārāja meditation on the Lord’s universal form, Śukadeva explains a devotional cosmology where creation is seen as integrated within the Lord’s body, helping the mind fix on Him.
It cultivates reverence and responsibility: one learns to see all realms of life as connected to the Divine, reducing exploitation and increasing mindful, devotional living.