Why Every Word in Our Scriptures Matters

You should not read our scriptures at the surface level. Every single term in them is used intentionally and carries deep meanings and concepts. For example here’s the 19th verse from the 1st chapter of the 10th skandha of Srimad Bhagavata:

ब्रह्मा तदुपधार्याथ सह देवैस्तया सह ।

जगाम सत्रिनयनस्तीरं क्षीरपयोनिधेः ॥

Bhumi Devi assumes the form of a cow and approaches Brahma to complain about the burden of demons on earth who are disguised as rulers.

The straightforward meaning of the above verse is - 

Brahma, understanding this, along with the Devas and her, went to the shore of the Ocean of Milk, accompanied by the three-eyed one (Shiva).

Now let’s take a deeper look.

Is Bhumi Devi concerned only about solving her problem? Or she also wants a solution for the trouble the demons are creating on earth? Has the presence of the demons on earth negatively influenced Bhumi Devi and she is thinking in a selfish manner?

Brahma is considered a direct manifestation of Brahman and, therefore, the very embodiment of knowledge. When Bhumi Devi spoke of her plight, the above doubts arose. But Brahma, relying on his own wisdom rather than solely her words, cleared these doubts and discerned Earth's genuine intentions (तदुपधार्य).

Brahma then gathered everyone – the cow (Bhumi Devi), devas, and Shiva – and set out for the shores of the Milky Ocean (Ksheera Sagara). He brought the devas along so that whatever instructions Lord Vishnu gave could be communicated to them immediately. 

Bhumi Devi was taken along too, so she could directly present her case as the essential reason for Vishnu's intervention. In other words, Brahma wanted Bhumi Devi there in person to make it crystal clear to Lord Vishnu why he needed to intervene.

Brahma, being thorough, also wanted Mahadeva (Shiva) to come, because if Shiva stayed behind, the demons could influence him through tapas, appease him and seek his protection. Shiva is addressed as ‘Trinayana’ because his kind gaze falls equally upon devas, asuras, and humans. By taking Mahadeva away with him, Brahma is ensuring that the demons do not get an opportunity to approach him.

The group traveled to Shveta Dweepa, a divine island dear to Lord Vishnu and close to Vaikuntha's gateway. Settling near the Milk Ocean, they waited.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi