Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 17
Paramparā of the Atharva Veda and Purāṇas; Definition of a Purāṇa
Daśa-lakṣaṇam
नैमित्तिक: प्राकृतिको नित्य आत्यन्तिको लय: । संस्थेति कविभि: प्रोक्तश्चतुर्धास्य स्वभावत: ॥ १७ ॥
naimittikaḥ prākṛtiko nitya ātyantiko layaḥ saṁstheti kavibhiḥ proktaś caturdhāsya svabhāvataḥ
May apat na uri ng pagkalusaw ng sansinukob—paminsan-minsan, ayon sa mga elemento, tuluy-tuloy, at pangwakas. Lahat ng ito’y nagaganap sa likás na kapangyarihan ng Kataas-taasang Panginoon; tinawag ito ng mga pantas na ‘saṁsthā’, ang paglusaw.
FAQs
This verse states that sages describe four dissolutions—naimittika (occasional), prākṛtika (material), nitya (constant), and ātyantika (ultimate)—and also the universe’s maintenance (saṃsthā).
In the concluding teachings of the Bhāgavatam, Śukadeva clarifies time, creation, maintenance, and dissolution so Parīkṣit can fix his mind on the eternal Lord and transcend fear of death through spiritual understanding.
Ātyantika laya points to liberation—ending the false identification with the temporary body—so one can prioritize devotion, detachment, and remembrance of Bhagavān over anxiety about worldly change.