Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 3
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
पुरा किल महाबाहो धर्मं परमकं प्रभो । यत्तेन हंसरूपेण ब्रह्मणेऽभ्यात्थ माधव ॥ ३ ॥ स इदानीं सुमहता कालेनामित्रकर्शन । न प्रायो भविता मर्त्यलोके प्रागनुशासित: ॥ ४ ॥
purā kila mahā-bāho dharmaṁ paramakaṁ prabho yat tena haṁsa-rūpeṇa brahmaṇe ’bhyāttha mādhava
乌达婆说道：大臂之主啊，往昔您以天鹅主（哈ṁ萨）之形，对梵天宣说那能赐修行者至上安乐的至上法。摩陀婆啊，如今岁月已久；因此您先前所教之道，在人间将几乎不复存在，降敌者啊。
FAQs
This verse recalls that Lord Mādhava taught Brahmā the supreme dharma while appearing in the form of a swan (Haṁsa), indicating a divine teaching incarnation focused on spiritual instruction.
Uddhava points to an ancient, authoritative source—Krishna’s own instruction to Brahmā—to request the same “supreme dharma” be explained again for the benefit of people now.
Seek dharma from authentic spiritual sources and prioritize transcendental duty—devotional and God-centered living—over merely social or temporary religious customs.