Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 5
Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Meets Lord Śiva: Devotee as Living Tīrtha and the Lord’s Māyā
निभृतोदझषव्रातो वातापाये यथार्णव: । कुर्वस्य तपस: साक्षात् संसिद्धिं सिद्धिदो भवान् ॥ ५ ॥
nibhṛtoda-jhaṣa-vrāto vātāpāye yathārṇavaḥ kurv asya tapasaḥ sākṣāt saṁsiddhiṁ siddhi-do bhavān
He is as calm as the waters of the ocean when the wind has ceased and the fish remain still. Therefore, my lord, since you bestow perfection on the performers of austerity, please award this sage the perfection that is obviously due him.
FAQs
This verse teaches that the final perfection of tapasya is granted directly by the Supreme Lord—He is siddhi-da, the giver of true attainment, beyond mere self-effort.
By the ocean analogy, he indicates how disturbances subside when the cause is removed; similarly, when the Lord’s grace is present, obstacles and agitation are pacified and the goal of austerity is fulfilled.
Do sincere spiritual practice with discipline, but remember that lasting success and inner peace mature through humility, prayer, and dependence on divine grace rather than ego-driven achievement.