Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 16
The Lord Appears to the Devas and Instructs the Truce; Mandara Is Brought for Churning
श्रीशुक उवाच एवं विरिञ्चादिभिरीडितस्तद् विज्ञाय तेषां हृदयं यथैव । जगाद जीमूतगभीरया गिरा बद्धाञ्जलीन्संवृतसर्वकारकान् ॥ १६ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca evaṁ viriñcādibhir īḍitas tad vijñāya teṣāṁ hṛdayaṁ yathaiva jagāda jīmūta-gabhīrayā girā baddhāñjalīn saṁvṛta-sarva-kārakān
Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: When the Lord was thus offered prayers by the demigods, headed by Lord Brahmā, He understood the purpose for which they had approached Him. Therefore, in a deep voice that resembled the rumbling of clouds, the Lord replied to the demigods, who all stood there attentively with folded hands.
FAQs
This verse states that after being praised by Brahmā and others, the Lord immediately understood their inner intention (hṛdaya) and then responded—highlighting that sincere prayer is known to Him even before words are spoken.
Because their prayers revealed their purpose, and the Lord—knowing their hearts—chose to answer them directly, setting the stage for His guidance in the events surrounding the churning of the Milk Ocean.
Approach prayer and decision-making with sincerity and humility—like standing with folded hands—trusting that genuine intentions matter, and cultivate inner restraint and reverence before acting.