Shloka 1
Bhṛgu Tests the Trimūrti; Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna Visit Mahā-Viṣṇu and Recover the Brāhmaṇa’s Sons
श्रीशुक उवाच सरस्वत्यास्तटे राजन्नृषय: सत्रमासत । वितर्क: समभूत्तेषां त्रिष्वधीशेषु को महान् ॥ १ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca sarasvatyās taṭe rājann ṛṣayaḥ satram āsata vitarkaḥ samabhūt teṣāṁ triṣv adhīśeṣu ko mahān
シュカデーヴァ・ゴースヴァーミーは語った。「王よ、かつてサラスヴァティー河の岸で聖仙たちがサトラ祭を行っていた。そのとき、三主神のうち誰が最も偉大かという論争が彼らの間に起こった。」
The three chief deities mentioned here are Lord Viṣṇu, Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva.
FAQs
This verse introduces the sages’ inquiry about the greatest among the three controllers, setting up the Bhagavatam’s conclusion that the Supreme Lord (Viṣṇu/Nārāyaṇa, ultimately Kṛṣṇa) is supreme.
Śukadeva narrates the sages’ deliberation to establish theological clarity about divine supremacy, which becomes relevant to the ensuing episode where the sages seek a decisive answer.
It encourages sincere inquiry and scriptural discussion to resolve confusion about faith and practice, guiding one toward steady devotion to the Supreme Lord.