Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 18
Hari’s Special Mercy, Śiva’s Quick Boons, and the Deliverance from Vṛkāsura
देवोपलब्धिमप्राप्य निर्वेदात् सप्तमेऽहनि । शिरोऽवृश्चत् सुधितिना तत्तीर्थक्लिन्नमूर्धजम् ॥ १८ ॥ तदा महाकारुणिको स धूर्जटि- र्यथा वयं चाग्निरिवोत्थितोऽनलात् । निगृह्य दोर्भ्यां भुजयोर्न्यवारयत् तत्स्पर्शनाद् भूय उपस्कृताकृति: ॥ १९ ॥
devopalabdhim aprāpya nirvedāt saptame ’hani śiro ’vṛścat sudhitinā tat-tīrtha-klinna-mūrdhajam
Vṛkāsura became frustrated after failing to obtain a vision of the lord. Finally, on the seventh day, after dipping his hair into the holy waters at Kedāranātha and leaving it wet, he took up a hatchet and prepared to cut off his head. But at that very moment the supremely merciful Lord Śiva rose up out of the sacrificial fire, looking like the god of fire himself, and grabbed both arms of the demon to stop him from killing himself, just as we would do. By Lord Śiva’s touch, Vṛkāsura once again became whole.
FAQs
This verse shows that one may not immediately attain the Lord’s vision even after intense effort; despair can arise, but the narrative emphasizes that divine outcomes depend on the Lord’s will, not merely human exertion.
The verse describes an extreme act born of despondency to highlight the intensity of the situation and to set the stage for Lord Śiva’s compassionate intervention that prevents further harm.
When spiritual or personal goals feel delayed, avoid rash decisions; persevere with steadiness and seek guidance—divine help and clarity often come through patience and right counsel.