Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 28
Rāhu, Eclipses, Antarikṣa, and the Seven Subterranean Heavens
Bila-svarga
ततोऽधस्तात्तलातले मयो नाम दानवेन्द्रस्त्रिपुराधिपतिर्भगवता पुरारिणा त्रिलोकीशं चिकीर्षुणा निर्दग्धस्वपुरत्रयस्तत्प्रसादाल्लब्धपदो मायाविनामाचार्यो महादेवेन परिरक्षितो विगतसुदर्शनभयो महीयते ॥ २८ ॥
tato ’dhastāt talātale mayo nāma dānavendras tri-purādhipatir bhagavatā purāriṇā tri-lokī-śaṁ cikīrṣuṇā nirdagdha-sva-pura-trayas tat-prasādāl labdha-pado māyāvinām ācāryo mahādevena parirakṣito vigata-sudarśana-bhayo mahīyate.
Beneath the planet known as Sutala is another planet, called Talātala, which is ruled by the Dānava demon named Maya. Maya is known as the ācārya [master] of all the māyāvīs, who can invoke the powers of sorcery. For the benefit of the three worlds, Lord Śiva, who is known as Tripurāri, once set fire to the three kingdoms of Maya, but later, being pleased with him, he returned his kingdom. Since that time, Maya Dānava has been protected by Lord Śiva, and therefore he falsely thinks that he need not fear the Sudarśana cakra of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
Maya is described as a Daitya/Dānava king, the lord of Tripura, famed as the foremost teacher of those who wield māyā (illusion), residing in Talātala under Lord Śiva’s protection.
It indicates that by Lord Śiva’s special protection and favor, Maya lives in Talātala without fear of Viṣṇu’s Sudarśana disc, emphasizing the power of divine shelter granted by Mahādeva.
The verse highlights that protection and honor come from higher shelter and grace; it encourages seekers to take refuge in the Lord (and the Lord’s devotees) rather than relying on one’s own “māyā” or worldly power.