Shloka 3
Prāyaścitta, the ‘Elephant Bath’ Problem, and the Opening of Ajāmila-Upākhyāna
अधर्मलक्षणा नाना नरकाश्चानुवर्णिता: । मन्वन्तरश्च व्याख्यात आद्य: स्वायम्भुवो यत: ॥ ३ ॥
adharma-lakṣaṇā nānā narakāś cānuvarṇitāḥ manvantaraś ca vyākhyāta ādyaḥ svāyambhuvo yataḥ
Também descreveste as várias condições infernais resultantes de atos ímpios (adharma) e explicaste o primeiro manvantara, presidido por Svāyambhuva Manu, filho de Brahmā.
FAQs
This verse states that the Bhagavatam has already described the various signs of adharma, indicating that irreligion can be recognized by clear, definable characteristics and consequences.
Śukadeva reminds Parīkṣit that the Bhagavatam has systematically covered cosmic history, including Manvantaras starting from Svāyambhuva Manu—framing the current discussion within the Purana’s broader moral and cosmological teachings.
By reflecting on the consequences of adharma and the reality of moral accountability, one becomes more careful in choices, strengthens dharmic conduct, and turns toward bhakti as the safest path beyond fear and suffering.