Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 21
Devas in Dvārakā, Brahmā’s Petition, and Uddhava’s Appeal
Prabhāsa Departure Set-Up
श्रीब्रह्मोवाच भूमेर्भारावताराय पुरा विज्ञापित: प्रभो । त्वमस्माभिरशेषात्मन्तत्तथैवोपपादितम् ॥ २१ ॥
śrī-brahmovāca bhūmer bhārāvatārāya purā vijñāpitaḥ prabho tvam asmābhir aśeṣātman tat tathaivopapāditam
พระพรหมตรัสว่า: ข้าแต่พระผู้เป็นเจ้า ก่อนหน้านี้พวกข้าพระองค์ได้ทูลขอให้พระองค์ทรงยกภาระของแผ่นดินออกไป โอ้พระผู้เป็นอาตมันอันหาที่สุดมิได้ คำทูลขอนั้นพระองค์ได้ทรงทำให้สำเร็จแล้วโดยแท้
Lord Kṛṣṇa might have said to the demigods, “Actually, you requested Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu to come down, so why are you saying that you requested Me? After all, I am Govinda.” Therefore Brahmā has addressed the Lord here as aśeṣātmā, or the unlimited Personality of Godhead from whom all plenary expansions of Viṣṇu emanate. This is the opinion of Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura.
FAQs
This verse recalls that the Lord was previously requested to descend specifically to remove the earth’s burden—restoring balance by curbing oppressive forces and reestablishing dharma.
Brahmā reminds the Lord of the earlier petition for His descent and indicates that the same divine purpose and request is being presented again—linking the Lord’s earthly pastimes with cosmic administration.
It encourages faith that the Supreme responds to sincere prayers and righteous concern for the world, and it inspires devotees to align their actions with dharma while depending on the Lord’s higher plan.