Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 36
Kūrma Supports Mandara; Hālahala Appears; Śiva Becomes Nīlakaṇṭha
श्रीशुक उवाच तद्वीक्ष्य व्यसनं तासां कृपया भृशपीडित: । सर्वभूतसुहृद् देव इदमाह सतीं प्रियाम् ॥ ३६ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca tad-vīkṣya vyasanaṁ tāsāṁ kṛpayā bhṛśa-pīḍitaḥ sarva-bhūta-suhṛd deva idam āha satīṁ priyām
Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: Lord Śiva is always benevolent toward all living entities. When he saw that the living entities were very much disturbed by the poison, which was spreading everywhere, he was very compassionate. Thus he spoke to his eternal consort, Satī, as follows.
FAQs
This verse highlights that the Lord is sarva-bhūta-suhṛt, the well-wisher of all beings, and that true divinity is expressed through heartfelt compassion upon seeing others’ suffering.
After witnessing the severe distress around him, Śiva—moved by compassion—addressed his beloved Satī, indicating his intent to respond to the crisis with protective concern.
Practice being a genuine well-wisher to all—respond to others’ difficulties with empathy, avoid harm in speech and action, and let compassion guide decisions even under pressure.