Shloka 57
Kāliya-damana: Kṛṣṇa Subdues the Serpent and Purifies the Yamunā
त्वया सृष्टमिदं विश्वं धातर्गुणविसर्जनम् । नानास्वभाववीर्यौजोयोनिबीजाशयाकृति ॥ ५७ ॥
tvayā sṛṣṭam idaṁ viśvaṁ dhātar guṇa-visarjanam nānā-svabhāva-vīryaujo- yoni-bījāśayākṛti
Wahai Pencipta Tertinggi, alam semesta ini Engkaulah yang menciptakannya, tersusun dari tatanan beraneka ragam tiga guṇa. Di dalamnya Engkau menampakkan berbagai watak, daya dan kekuatan, ragam kemampuan indria dan jasmani, serta beragam ayah-ibu dengan batin dan rupa yang berbeda-beda.
Commenting on this verse, Śrīla Madhvācārya has quoted the Nārada Purāṇa as follows: “From Hiraṇyagarbha, Brahmā, comes the second creation of this universe, but the universe is primarily created by Viṣṇu Himself. Viṣṇu is thus the primary creator, and four-headed Brahmā is merely the secondary creator.”
FAQs
This verse states that the universe manifests through the projection of the material modes (guṇas), producing innumerable varieties of natures, strengths, species, causes (seeds), and forms—yet all ultimately depend on the Supreme’s arrangement.
They glorify Kṛṣṇa’s supreme position by acknowledging that cosmic variety arises by divine design; by praising His control over nature, they beg mercy for Kāliya and affirm Kṛṣṇa as the ultimate refuge.
Seeing diversity of bodies, temperaments, and circumstances as part of a higher order reduces envy and anxiety, and inspires humility, responsibility, and devotion—turning one’s focus from control to surrender and right action.