Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 57
Kāliya-damana: Kṛṣṇa Subdues the Serpent and Purifies the Yamunā
त्वया सृष्टमिदं विश्वं धातर्गुणविसर्जनम् । नानास्वभाववीर्यौजोयोनिबीजाशयाकृति ॥ ५७ ॥
tvayā sṛṣṭam idaṁ viśvaṁ dhātar guṇa-visarjanam nānā-svabhāva-vīryaujo- yoni-bījāśayākṛti
至高的造物主啊，此宇宙由您所生，乃由诸般物质三德（guṇa）的多样安排所成；在其中，您显现种种性情、勇力与精气，诸般感官与身力，并显现心态与形相各异的父母与众多生类。
Commenting on this verse, Śrīla Madhvācārya has quoted the Nārada Purāṇa as follows: “From Hiraṇyagarbha, Brahmā, comes the second creation of this universe, but the universe is primarily created by Viṣṇu Himself. Viṣṇu is thus the primary creator, and four-headed Brahmā is merely the secondary creator.”
FAQs
This verse states that the universe manifests through the projection of the material modes (guṇas), producing innumerable varieties of natures, strengths, species, causes (seeds), and forms—yet all ultimately depend on the Supreme’s arrangement.
They glorify Kṛṣṇa’s supreme position by acknowledging that cosmic variety arises by divine design; by praising His control over nature, they beg mercy for Kāliya and affirm Kṛṣṇa as the ultimate refuge.
Seeing diversity of bodies, temperaments, and circumstances as part of a higher order reduces envy and anxiety, and inspires humility, responsibility, and devotion—turning one’s focus from control to surrender and right action.