Shloka 39
The Extent of Questions: Deathbed Rites, Kāla (Time), and Karma-Vipāka Rebirths
सरितः सागराश्चैव भावाभावौ च सर्पहन् / सर्वे कालेन सृज्यन्ते संक्षिप्यन्ते यथा पुनः
saritaḥ sāgarāścaiva bhāvābhāvau ca sarpahan / sarve kālena sṛjyante saṃkṣipyante yathā punaḥ
ഹേ സർപ്പഹൻ (സർപ്പവധകനായ ഗരുഡാ)! നദികളും സമുദ്രങ്ങളും, ഭാവവും അഭാവവും—എല്ലാം കാലത്താൽ സൃഷ്ടിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു; കാലത്താൽ തന്നേ വീണ്ടും ചുരുങ്ങി ലയത്തിലേക്ക് ലയിക്കുന്നു।
Lord Vishnu
Concept: All phenomena—rivers, oceans, even bhāva/abhāva (existence/non-existence)—arise and are withdrawn by Kāla.
Vedantic Theme: Sṛṣṭi-sthiti-laya under Kāla; impermanence of nāma-rūpa; pointer toward the unchanging substratum beyond time.
Application: Practice non-attachment; contemplate cycles of arising/passing; prioritize enduring values and spiritual pursuit over transient acquisitions.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: natural/cosmic imagery
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: Kāla as the force of saṃhāra and the inevitability of karmic fruition is reiterated across cosmological and preta narratives (general parallel).
FAQs
This verse presents Kāla as the governing power behind both creation and dissolution, teaching impermanence and encouraging detachment from worldly forms.
By stressing that all conditions arise and subside under Time, it frames death and post-death states as part of a larger cosmic process, helping the listener understand change without fear.
Remembering that all situations are time-bound supports ethical living, reduces attachment, and strengthens steadiness during loss, grief, and life transitions.