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
シェーシャ、インドラ、ルドラ——この三者は、智慧や力などにおいてもまことに比肩しうる。されど寿命には差があり、彼らに定められた時は二千の天年であると言われる。
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.