Bhagavatapurana 11.28.19

11.28.19

yathā hiraṇyaṃ sv-akṛtaṃ purastāt paścāc ca sarvasya hiraṇ-mayasya /
tad eva madhye vyavahāryamāṇaṃ nānāpadeśair aham asya tadvat //

19. Just as gold wrought into fine forms exists before and after its modifications and also the same gold in the middle is spoken of under various names, similarly Aham is the same at the beginning, at the end and in the middle of the Universe.

19. V. Just as purified gold etc.

*Note.* In the intermediate state, Aham like gold mixed with other metals, passes for pure Aham, though mixed up with the body.

D. This illustrates that Hari is the unlimited, almighty and independent Lord before creation, during the existence and after the dissolution of, the Universe.

*Note.* Gold is always spoken of as gold, when it is by itself or when it covers anything else, as a gold car, a gold conch and its importance being always recognised, so also is the almighty and independent Lord, the Antaryamin of all creatures, spoken of with due regard to His importance.