1110
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam
[Canto 3, Ch. 26]
asafetida. Bad odors are perceived in filthy places, good smells are perceived from camphor, menthol and similar other products, pungent smells are perceived from garlic and onions, and acidic smells are perceived from turmeric and similar sour substances. The original aroma is the odor emanating from the earth, and when it is mixed with different substances, this odor appears in different ways.
TEXT 46
भावनं ब्रह्मणः स्थानं धारणं सद्विशेषणम् । सर्वसत्त्वगुणोद्धेदः पृथिवीवृत्तिलक्षणम् ॥४६॥
bhāvanam brahmaṇaḥ sthānam dhāraṇam sad-viśeṣaṇam sarva-sattva-guṇodbhedaḥ pṛthivī-vṛtti-lakṣaṇam
bhāvanam —modeling forms;  brahmaṇaḥ —of the Supreme Brahman;  sthānam —constructing places of residence;  dhāraṇam —containing substances;  sat-viśeṣaṇam —distinguishing the open space;  sarva —all;  sattva —of existence;  guṇa —qualities;  udbhedaḥ —the place for manifestation;  pṛthivī —of earth;  vṛtti —of the functions;  lakṣaṇam —the characteristics.
TRANSLATION
The characteristics of the functions of earth can be perceived by modeling forms of the Supreme Brahman, by constructing places of residence, by preparing pots to contain water, etc. In other words, the earth is the place of sustenance for all elements.
PURPORT
Different elements, such as sound, sky, air, fire and water, can be perceived in the earth. Another feature of the earth especially mentioned here is that earth can manifest different forms of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. By this statement of Kapila it is confirmed that the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Brahman, has innumerable forms, which are described in the scriptures. By manipulation of earth and its products, such as stone, wood, jewel, etc., these forms of the Supreme Lord can be present before our eyes. When a form of Lord Kṛṣṇa or Lord Viṣṇu is