Shloka 21
Viṣṇu-sahasranāma—Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Recitation (विष्णोर्नामसहस्रम्)
फलमस्य पृथक््त्वेन श्रोतुमर्हन्ति सत्तमा: । प्रलयं सर्वभूतैस्तु गन्तव्यं कालपर्ययात्
phalam asya pṛthaktvena śrotum arhanti sattamāḥ | pralayaṃ sarvabhūtais tu gantavyaṃ kāla-paryayāt ||
诸贤之最者啊，你们堪当聆听此事各别的果报。然而因时轮转变，一切众生终将不可避免地走向毁灭与消融（pralaya）。
यम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Yama emphasizes two linked truths: actions have specific, distinguishable results (phala), yet all embodied existence is ultimately subject to the overarching law of Time, culminating in dissolution (pralaya). Ethical effort matters, but it unfolds within the inevitability of impermanence.
Yama addresses virtuous listeners, indicating he will explain the particular consequences of the matter being discussed. He then frames that discussion within a larger cosmic perspective: regardless of individual outcomes, all beings are carried toward dissolution by the cyclical turning of Time.