Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 17
Paramparā of the Atharva Veda and Purāṇas; Definition of a Purāṇa
Daśa-lakṣaṇam
नैमित्तिक: प्राकृतिको नित्य आत्यन्तिको लय: । संस्थेति कविभि: प्रोक्तश्चतुर्धास्य स्वभावत: ॥ १७ ॥
naimittikaḥ prākṛtiko nitya ātyantiko layaḥ saṁstheti kavibhiḥ proktaś caturdhāsya svabhāvataḥ
宇宙の滅（プララヤ）には四種がある。すなわち、臨時の滅、元素的滅、恒常の滅、そして究竟の滅である。いずれも至上主の内在する力によって成され、学匠たちはこの主題を「サンスタ（saṁsthā）」—解消—と名づけた。
FAQs
This verse states that sages describe four dissolutions—naimittika (occasional), prākṛtika (material), nitya (constant), and ātyantika (ultimate)—and also the universe’s maintenance (saṃsthā).
In the concluding teachings of the Bhāgavatam, Śukadeva clarifies time, creation, maintenance, and dissolution so Parīkṣit can fix his mind on the eternal Lord and transcend fear of death through spiritual understanding.
Ātyantika laya points to liberation—ending the false identification with the temporary body—so one can prioritize devotion, detachment, and remembrance of Bhagavān over anxiety about worldly change.