1110 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 3, Ch. 26

asafetida. Bad odors are perceived in filthy places, good smells are per-
ceived 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
aad aa: ed oot ate |
ease: vitae Neal

bhavanam brahmanah sthanam
dharanam sad-visesanam

sarva-sattva-gunodbhedah
prthivi-urtti-laksanam

bhavanam—modeling forms; brahmanah—of the Supreme Brahman;
sthanam—constructing places of residence; dha@ranam—containing
substances; sat-vigesanam-— distinguishing the open space; sarva—all; sattva—
of existence; guna—qualities; udbhedah—the place for manifestation;
prthivi—of earth; vrtti—of the functions; laksanam—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 Krsna or Lord Visnu is
