Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 41
Avadhūta’s Teachers: Python, Ocean, Moth, Bee, Elephant, Deer, Fish—and Piṅgalā’s Song of Detachment
संसारकूपे पतितं विषयैर्मुषितेक्षणम् । ग्रस्तं कालाहिनात्मानं कोऽन्यस्त्रातुमधीश्वर: ॥ ४१ ॥
saṁsāra-kūpe patitaṁ viṣayair muṣitekṣaṇam grastaṁ kālāhinātmānaṁ ko ’nyas trātum adhīśvaraḥ
A inteligência do ser vivo é roubada pelas atividades de gratificação dos sentidos, e assim ele cai no poço escuro da existência material. Nesse poço, é então agarrado pela serpente mortal do tempo. Quem, senão o Senhor Supremo, a Suprema Personalidade de Deus, poderia salvar o pobre ser de condição tão desesperadora?
Piṅgalā stated in a previous verse that even the demigods are unable to give actual happiness to a woman. One may question who has authorized this lady to reject even such exalted personalities as Brahmā, Śiva and the other demigods. The answer given here is that if one actually wants to solve all the problems of life and go back home, back to Godhead, then the only solution is to take shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord. It is well known that the demigods themselves are subject to birth and death. As stated by Lord Śiva himself, mukti-pradātā sarveṣāṁ viṣṇur eva na saṁśayaḥ: “There is no doubt that Viṣṇu is the deliverer of liberation for everyone.”
FAQs
This verse compares material life to a deep well where one falls and becomes helpless; captivated by sense-objects, the soul loses clear vision and needs divine rescue.
Uddhava emphasizes human helplessness against time and sense-illusion, affirming that ultimate liberation comes by the Supreme Lord’s grace, not merely by personal effort.
Recognize how sense-distractions steal discernment, cultivate devotion and remembrance of Kṛṣṇa, and seek guidance through sādhana and prayer to rise above time-driven anxiety and attachment.