Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 19
Gajendra’s Prayers and the Appearance of Lord Hari
Gajendra-stuti and Hari-darśana
यं धर्मकामार्थविमुक्तिकामा भजन्त इष्टां गतिमाप्नुवन्ति । किं चाशिषो रात्यपि देहमव्ययं करोतु मेऽदभ्रदयो विमोक्षणम् ॥ १९ ॥
yaṁ dharma-kāmārtha-vimukti-kāmā bhajanta iṣṭāṁ gatim āpnuvanti kiṁ cāśiṣo rāty api deham avyayaṁ karotu me ’dabhra-dayo vimokṣaṇam
After worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, those who are interested in the four principles of religion, economic development, sense gratification and liberation obtain from Him what they desire. What then is to be said of other benedictions? Indeed, sometimes the Lord gives a spiritual body to such ambitious worshipers. May that Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is unlimitedly merciful, bestow upon me the benediction of liberation from this present danger and from the materialistic way of life.
Some men within this material world are akāmī, free from material desire, some are ambitious to get more and more material profit, and some desire fulfillment in religious life, economic development, sense gratification and finally liberation.
FAQs
It states that all these goals—religion, prosperity, enjoyment, and even liberation—are attainable by worshiping the Supreme Lord, who grants the devotee the desired destination.
Gajendra emphasizes the Lord’s unlimited power to grant even extraordinary benedictions, and then turns that recognition into a plea for the highest need at that moment—deliverance from bondage and danger.
It encourages prioritizing devotion to God as the root practice, trusting that life’s necessities and even ultimate freedom are best fulfilled when one sincerely takes shelter of the Lord.