Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, 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
你也叙述了由不义（adharma）所招感的种种地狱境界，并讲解了由梵天之子自生摩奴（Svāyambhuva Manu）主持的最初一劫期（manvantara）。
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.