--> Skip to main content


The Greatness of the First Verse of Srimad Bhagavata Purana: A Divine Exposition

By

The Original Verse

Sanskrit (Devanagari):

जन्माद्यस्य यतोऽन्वयादितरत: चार्थेष्वभिज्ञ: स्वराट्।  
तेने ब्रह्म हृदा य आदिकवये मुह्यन्ति यत्सूरय:।  
तेजोवारिमृदां यथा विनिमयो यत्र त्रिसर्गोऽमृषा।  
धाम्ना स्वेन सदा निरस्तकुहकं सत्यं परं धीमहि॥

Transliteration:

Janmādyasya yato’nvayād itarataś cārtheṣv abhijñaḥ svarāṭ।  
Tene brahma hṛdā ya ādi-kavaye muhyanti yat sūrayaḥ।  
Tejo-vāri-mṛdāṁ yathā vinimayo yatra tri-sargo ‘mṛṣā।  
Dhāmnā svena sadā nirasta-kuhakaṁ satyaṁ paraṁ dhīmahi॥

Translation:
"He from whom the creation, sustenance, and dissolution of the universe take place; who is both the material and instrumental cause of it; who is omniscient; who is the only one having self-mastery, being the one independent entity; who illumined the mind of Brahma with the Vedic revelation, whose wisdom is the wonder of even the greatest sages; in whom the worlds, the manifestation of the three gunas, subsist in reality without affecting Him; just as the combination of material elements like fire, water, and earth subsist in their causes without changing their elemental nature; in whose light of consciousness there is no place for anything false – on that Supreme Truth we meditate."

Introduction to the Verse

The first verse of the Srimad Bhagavata Purana, often referred to as the "Mangala Shloka," sets the tone for this grand spiritual epic. It encapsulates the essence of universal truths about creation, sustenance, and dissolution, presenting a concise yet profound understanding of the cosmos and the ultimate reality, Brahman. This verse serves as a meditative invocation, inviting the seeker to reflect on the Supreme Truth, which transcends time, space, and causation.

Meaning and Symbolism

  1. "Janmādyasya Yatah" (He from whom creation, sustenance, and dissolution arise):

    • This phrase identifies the Supreme Being as the source of all existence.
    • The universe, with its myriad forms, cycles through creation (Srishti), sustenance (Sthiti), and dissolution (Pralaya). The verse asserts that this Supreme Being is both the material cause (Upadana Karana) and the efficient cause (Nimitta Karana) of creation.

  2. "Anvayād Itarataś Cārtheṣv Abhijñaḥ Svarāṭ" (Omniscient and independent):

    • The Lord is not only aware of all causes and effects but also remains completely independent.
    • This independence (Svarāṭ) signifies His self-sufficiency, unlike all beings in the universe, which are dependent on external factors for existence.

  3. "Tene Brahma Hṛdā Ya Ādikavaye Muhyanti Yat Sūrayaḥ" (Who illumined the mind of Brahma):

    • Lord Vishnu, through His grace, revealed Vedic wisdom to Brahma, the creator.
    • Even the wisest sages (Sūrayaḥ) are bewildered by the Lord's immeasurable glory and knowledge. This symbolizes that divine knowledge transcends human intellect and can only be accessed through grace and devotion.

  4. "Tejo-Vāri-Mṛdāṁ Yathā Vinimayo" (Transformation of elements):

    • The analogy of fire, water, and earth points to the interplay of the three gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) in creation.
    • Although the Lord pervades creation, He remains unaffected, much like the elements retain their essential nature despite forming diverse compounds.

  5. "Yatra Tri-Sargo ‘Mṛṣā" (Where the three worlds exist without falsehood):

    • The manifested world, although transient, is rooted in the eternal truth of the Lord.
    • The phrase reflects the Vedantic doctrine that the world (Jagat) is both real (Sat) in its essence and unreal (Asat) in its transient forms.

  6. "Dhāmnā Svena Sadā Nirasta-Kuhakam Satyam Param Dhīmahi" (We meditate on the Supreme Truth free from illusion):

    • The Supreme Truth is the ultimate light that dispels all illusions (Kuhakam).
    • This line is a meditative invocation, calling upon seekers to contemplate on the unchanging reality amidst the changing universe.

Universal Teachings of Hinduism in the Verse

  1. Non-Dualism (Advaita):

    • The verse aligns with the Advaitic philosophy that the Supreme Truth is the substratum of all existence.

  2. Unity in Diversity:

    • It emphasizes the unity of all creation in the Lord, transcending distinctions of name, form, and function.

  3. Interplay of Gunas:

    • The verse acknowledges the role of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas in the cosmic order, showing their interplay as a reflection of divine will.

  4. Role of Divine Grace:

    • The illumination of Brahma signifies that realization of truth requires divine grace and effort through devotion and knowledge.

  5. Transcendence and Immanence:

    • The Supreme Being is both transcendent (beyond creation) and immanent (present within creation).

Importance of the Verse

  1. Philosophical Depth:

    • It condenses the teachings of Vedanta, Sankhya, and Bhakti into a single verse, serving as a guide for seekers of all paths.

  2. Spiritual Practice:

    • The meditative invocation inspires reflection on the Supreme, encouraging contemplation on the eternal amidst the ephemeral.

  3. Revealing the Nature of Reality:

    • The verse explains the relationship between the creator, the creation, and the ultimate truth, making it an essential foundation for understanding Hindu cosmology.

  4. Foundation for the Bhagavata Purana:

    • This opening verse sets the stage for the teachings of the Purana, which elaborates on the glory of devotion (Bhakti) and the divine play of Krishna.

Symbolism in the Imagery

  1. Illumination of Brahma:

    • Symbolizes the dawn of knowledge dispelling ignorance.

  2. Elements (Tejo-Vāri-Mṛda):

    • Represent the material universe and its transformation under divine will.

  3. Dispelling of Illusion:

    • Reflects the soul’s journey from the false identification with the transient world to realization of the eternal.

Connection to Broader Hindu Scriptures

  1. Bhagavad Gita:

    • The verse resonates with Bhagavad Gita 10.8, where Lord Krishna declares Himself as the source of all creation.

  2. Upanishads:

    • Concepts like Brahman’s immanence and transcendence are extensively discussed in the Taittiriya Upanishad and Mundaka Upanishad.

  3. Yoga Sutras:

    • The verse aligns with the Yoga Sutras’ concept of Ishwara as the independent, omniscient entity guiding creation.

Practical Applications

  1. Meditative Practice:

    • Reflecting on the verse enhances clarity of thought and fosters spiritual growth.

  2. Holistic Understanding of Life:

    • Understanding the interconnectedness of creation cultivates harmony and a sense of universal responsibility.

  3. Path to Liberation:

    • Contemplation on the Supreme Truth leads to liberation (Moksha), the ultimate goal of life.

The first verse of the Srimad Bhagavata Purana is a profound meditation on the nature of the universe and its relationship with the Supreme Truth. It encapsulates the essence of Hindu philosophy, blending metaphysics, cosmology, and devotion. Its teachings, rooted in ancient wisdom, continue to inspire seekers across generations, guiding them on their spiritual journey toward the eternal light of truth.